Summary of H.R. 1327

Official Name

"Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act"

What This Bill Does

This law extends and makes permanent the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which was originally created to provide financial help to people (such as first responders, workers, and victims) who got sick or were injured because of their involvement in or near the 9/11 attacks.

Key Points Explained Simply

• Fund Extension: The Fund is now authorized to operate and pay claims all the way through the year 2092, instead of ending sooner. This means people affected by 9/11 health issues can continue to apply for compensation for many decades.
• Unlimited Funding as Needed: Instead of a fixed dollar amount, the Fund can now receive as much money as necessary each year to pay all claims.
• Longer Time to File Claims: People can submit claims for compensation until October 1, 2090, giving more time for those who develop illnesses down the road to get help.
• Making Up for Past Shortages: If some claims were previously paid less than they should have been due to not enough money, affected claimants will get additional payments once enough funds become available.
• Special Cases: The person in charge of the Fund (called the "Special Master") can allow some claims to receive more money than normally allowed if there are special reasons.
• Income Limits Adjusted: The income limits for eligibility will be adjusted for inflation over time to keep them fair and up to date.
• Appointments: The Attorney General can appoint a Special Master and up to two deputies to run the Fund, without normal government hiring rules, to allow flexibility.

Why This Is Important

Many people who responded to or were impacted by the September 11, 2001, attacks have suffered long-term health problems that developed over years. This law ensures they and their families will continue to receive financial support for medical care and other losses well into the future.

In Short

This bill guarantees that the financial support program for 9/11 victims is available for many decades, with enough funding, flexibility for special cases, and fair adjustments to meet the needs of claimants over time.

The Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019

This bill, officially known as the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019, aims to support efforts by State, Tribal, and local governments to remove access to firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. The bill was introduced by Mr. Salud Carbajal, Mr. Brian Fitzpatrick, Mr. Donald Beyer, Mr. Ted Deutch, and Ms. Julia Brownley on February 14, 2019, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Key Definitions

• Eligible Entity: Refers to a State, Indian Tribe, or unit of local government or other public/private entity that enacts legislation described in section 4, complies with the requirements of section 4, and certifies the use of grant funds and allocation for law enforcement training.
• Extreme Risk Protection Order: Refers to a written order or warrant issued by a State or Tribal court or even signed by a magistrate with the aim of reducing the risk of firearm-related death or injury. The order prohibits an individual from having, owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm or requires the removal/surrender of firearms from the individual.
• Firearm: Refers to any weapon that meets the definition provided in section 921 of title 18, United States Code.
• Indian Tribe: Has the same meaning as defined in section 1709 of the Public Safety and Community Policing Act of 1994.
• Law Enforcement Officer: Refers to a public servant authorized by State, local, or Tribal law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of an offense, or to supervise sentenced criminal offenders.
• Petitioner: An individual authorized by State or Tribal law to petition for an extreme risk protection order.
• State: Includes a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any other territory or possession of the United States.
• Unit of Local Government: Refers to an entity as defined in section 901 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.

Extreme Risk Protection Grant Program

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services of the Department of Justice will establish a grant program to assist eligible entities in implementing the legislation described in section 4. Grants will be awarded based on the availability of funds and can be used for various purposes, including enhancing law enforcement capacity, training personnel, providing technical assistance, and raising public awareness.

Requirements for National Extreme Risk Protection Order Law

The legislation described in section 4 should meet certain requirements, which include allowing individuals (including law enforcement officers) to submit applications for extreme risk protection orders to a State or Tribal court. The court must hold a hearing within 30 days of receiving an application and issue an order if it finds by a preponderance of evidence that the respondent poses a danger of harm to themselves or others. The legislation should also provide for ex parte (without notice) orders, storage of firearms removed under the order, notification to appropriate authorities, and confidentiality protections of personally identifiable information.

Federal Firearms Prohibition

The bill proposes amendments to section 922 of title 18, United States Code, to include court orders that prohibit an individual from possessing firearms or require the removal/surrender of firearms. The court order must be issued in compliance with due process rights and based on a finding that the individual poses a danger of harm to themselves or others by having access to a firearm.

Full Faith and Credit

Any extreme risk protection order issued under a State or Tribal law will be given full faith and credit by the court of another State or Indian Tribe. The enforcing State or Tribe will enforce the order as if it were its own.

Severability

If any provision of this Act or its amendments is held invalid, the rest of the Act and amendments will remain unaffected.