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H.R.2850 / 105th Congress

Jennifer's Law Act of 1997

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E977)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Nov 6, 1997

Jennifer's Law Act of 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide for a ten percent reduction (for redistribution to States in compliance) for any State not substantially complying with rules made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to achieve greater ease in cross referencing indexes of missing persons with those of unidentified persons and requiring: (1) immediate reporting by a State's authorities of every unidentified person found in that State's jurisdiction, to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and to the State's law enforcement authorities; (2) the subsequent entry of a complete profile of the unidentified person; (3) the entry of an NCIC or other appropriate number on all unidentified persons' death certificates; and (4) the retention of all such records pertaining to unidentified persons in the NCIC and with appropriate State agencies until the person is identified. Directs the FBI to issue regulations to ensure compliance, including a requirement that any charge for making available such information not exceed the actual cost of making such information available.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Johnson, Jay W. [D-WI-8] · D–WI

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
46 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E977)

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.

  3. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.2850 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.2850 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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