Stop Sexually Violent Predators Act
The Stop Sexually Violent Predators Act would expand federal involvement in managing sexually dangerous offenders. It requires states to annually report to the federal government a list of people convicted in the prior year of sexually dangerous offenses, and it directs the Attorney General to review that list to determine whether federal criminal charges should be pursued. It also tightens reporting under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) by adding information about relevant court cases. Separately, the bill imposes significant health-care funding consequences for a "specified individual"—defined as someone convicted of a sexually violent offense and determined to be sexually dangerous. For these individuals, the bill would restrict Medicaid funding and make them ineligible for Medicare benefits (with limited inpatient exceptions). The goal appears to be to increase penalties and restrict access to federal health programs for those deemed sexually dangerous, while expanding federal oversight and information-sharing about these cases.
Key Points
- 1States must submit to the Attorney General a yearly list of individuals convicted of a sexually dangerous offense in the previous fiscal year.
- 2The Attorney General must review that list to determine whether the convicted individual should be prosecuted for a federal offense.
- 3Federal funding restrictions apply: specified individuals would generally be barred from Medicaid and Medicare benefits (with an exception for certain inpatient, involuntary treatment cases).
- 4The definition of a “specified individual” aligns with someone convicted of a sexually violent offense and determined to be sexually dangerous under the Adam Walsh Act.
- 5SORNA reporting would be expanded to include information about any relevant court case.