H.R. 350: Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act

This bill requires certain state and local prosecutors to report data on criminal referrals and outcomes of cases involving murder or non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson, or any offense involving the illegal use or possession of a firearm.

The reporting requirement applies to state and local prosecutors in a jurisdiction with 380,000 or more persons that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. The report must contain data on

• cases referred for prosecution,
• cases declined for prosecution,
• cases resulting in a plea agreement with the defendant,
• cases initiated against defendants with previous arrests or convictions, and
• defendants charged who were released or eligible for bail.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.