PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Jun 18, 1996
Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against, and penalties for, damaging religious property or obstructing any person's free exercise of religious beliefs applicable where the offense is in or affects interstate commerce. (Currently such provisions apply where: (1) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) the loss exceeds $10,000.) Prohibits intentionally defacing, damaging, or destroying religious property (or attempting to do so) because of the race, color, or ethnic characteristics of any individual associated with such property. Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to: (1) include such crimes where victims suffer death or personal injury as "compensable crimes"; and (2) require the chief executive of each State to certify that priority shall be given to eligible crime victim assistance programs providing assistance to such victims.
People & committees
Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] · R–IL
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 104-155.
Became Public Law No: 104-155.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6982)
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H6982)
Mr. Hyde asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 98-0. Record Vote No: 171.
Senate roll call 171 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 98-0. Record Vote No: 171.
Senate roll call 171 · Individual votesAmendment SP 4341 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Amendment SP 4341 proposed by Senator Faircloth.
Measure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S6937-6945)
Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 453.
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 422 - 0 (Roll No. 248).
House roll call 248 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 422 - 0 (Roll No. 248).
House roll call 248 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6451-6462, H6478-6479)
Mr. Hyde moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 309.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 104-621.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 104-621.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E930)
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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