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H.R.3981 / 103rd Congress

To provide mandatory life imprisonment for persons convicted of a third violent felony.

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 256.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 8, 1994

Amends the Federal criminal code to require that a person convicted in a U.S. court of a serious violent felony be sentenced to life imprisonment if: (1) the person has been convicted of such a felony on two or more prior occasions in a Federal or State court; and (2) each serious violent felony used as a basis for sentencing under such provision, other than the first, was committed after the defendant's conviction of the preceding serious violent felony. Lists non-qualifying felonies, including: (1) robbery or an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit robbery if the defendant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that no firearm or other dangerous weapon was involved in the offense and the offense did not result in death or serious bodily injury to any person; and (2) arson if the defendant establishes by such evidence that the offense posed no threat to human life and that the defendant reasonably believed the offense posed no threat to human life. Makes provisions of the Controlled Substances Act regarding information filed by the U.S. Attorney in proceedings to establish previous convictions applicable to the imposition of sentence under this Act. Specifies that this Act shall not be construed to preclude imposition of the death penalty.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9] · D–NY

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
13 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 256.

  2. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 103-463.

  3. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 103-463.

  4. Ordered to be Reported (Amended).

  5. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  6. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  7. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended).

  8. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  9. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime and Criminal Justice.

  10. Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.

  11. Introduced in House

  12. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Jun 2, 2021. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.3981 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

Examine H.R.3981 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.3981 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

Examine H.R.3981 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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