# Plain Language Summary: Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act

This bill requires district attorneys and prosecutors in larger cities to report detailed information to the federal government about how they handle serious crimes. Specifically, prosecutors' offices serving areas with 380,000 or more people must submit annual reports to the Attorney General showing how many cases they received for crimes like murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, car theft, arson, and gun-related offenses. The reports must break down how many cases they declined to prosecute, how many resulted in plea deals, and what charges were ultimately brought versus what the defendant was convicted of.

The bill also requires prosecutors to report on repeat offenders—specifically, how many defendants charged with serious crimes had prior arrests or convictions for similar crimes, were already on probation or parole, or had other open cases. Additionally, prosecutors must report on bail decisions, including how many defendants charged with serious crimes were released without bail, how many were eligible for bail, and whether prosecutors actually requested bail in those cases. All of this information would be compiled by the Attorney General and shared with Congress and posted on a public website so citizens can see it.

The practical effect is that this creates a transparency and accountability mechanism focused on prosecutorial decisions in major cities. Supporters argue it will help identify whether prosecutors are being too lenient on serious crimes or repeat offenders. Critics might worry it could pressure prosecutors to pursue cases they don't believe are strong enough, or that it unfairly targets certain jurisdictions. Either way, the bill doesn't change any laws about what crimes exist or what punishments apply—it simply requires prosecutors to document and publicly report their charging and prosecution decisions.

Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act

Malliotakis, Nicole

Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act This bill requires certain state and local prosecutors to report data on criminal referrals and outcomes of cases involving murder or non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arson, or any offense involving the illegal use or possession of a firearm. The reporting requirement applies to state and local prosecutors in a jurisdiction with 380,000 or more persons that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. The report must contain data on <ul> <li>cases referred for prosecution, </li> <li>cases declined for prosecution,</li> <li>cases resulting in a plea agreement with the defendant,</li> <li>cases initiated against defendants with previous arrests or convictions, and</li> <li>defendants charged who were released or eligible for bail. </li> </ul>