Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act
Sponsored By: Senator Chuck Grassley
Introduced
Summary
This bill would tighten federal criminal law by imposing expanded penalties and conspiracy liability across violent and drug offenses. It would broaden who can be charged for attempted or conspiratorial acts, lower the knowledge standard for assaults on federal officers, raise carjacking and kidnapping penalties, and create a new offense targeting candy-flavored drugs marketed to youth.
Show full summary
- Families and children: Creates a new offense banning manufacture or distribution of candy-flavored Schedule I or II drugs marketed or altered to look like candy or drinks when done with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe the substance will go to someone under 18. A first conviction can bring up to 10 years in prison and a repeat offense up to 20 years.
- Defendants and violent offenders: Broadens conspiracy and attempt liability for bank robbery and firearms-related offenses and raises carjacking penalties, increasing the base maximum to 20 years and allowing up to 40 years in certain aggravated cases.
- Federal officers and people who confront them: Lowers the mens rea for assaulting federal officers so prosecutors need prove only that the defendant knew the victim was a federal official or was generally aware of the facts.
- Courts and sentencing: Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend guidelines, including a penalty enhancement for offenses involving candy-flavored controlled substances and adjustments for conspiracy and attempt cases.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ban on candy-like drugs for minors
If enacted, it would be illegal to make or sell some Schedule I or II drugs that look like candy or drinks. This applies when the person knows or reasonably believes the buyer is under 18. A first offense would add up to 10 years in prison. A second or later offense would add up to 20 years. Sentencing guidelines would get at least a 2-level increase. FDA-approved unchanged medicines and doctor-directed medical changes are excluded.
Broader federal kidnapping rules
If enacted, the bill would replace the federal kidnapping definition with a broader one. It lists the acts that count and when federal jurisdiction applies. It would not apply when a parent acts against their minor child. Penalties include any term of years, life, and death if someone dies.
Gun penalties for attempts and conspiracies
If enacted, attempts and conspiracies would count as qualifying crimes under the federal gun statute. Prosecutors could use certain federal gun penalties when the underlying crime was an attempt or conspiracy.
Higher carjacking penalties and scope
If enacted, the carjacking law would cover more acts and conspiracies. The base maximum prison time would rise to 20 years. If a weapon is used, the maximum could be 25 years. Another penalty maximum would be raised to 40 years. People charged could face higher maximum sentences.
Lower proof needed in federal assaults
If enacted, prosecutors would not have to prove attackers knew the victim was a federal officer. They would only need to show the attacker had knowledge, not a higher intent.
Stronger rules for bank robbery
If enacted, the bill would change wording for attempted bank robbery. It would make conspirators face the same penalties as the main crime. People charged could be prosecuted under the clarified rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Chuck Grassley
IA • R
Cosponsors
John Boozman
AR • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Kevin Cramer
ND • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Bill Cassidy
LA • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
James Lankford
OK • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]
KY • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Susan Collins
ME • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Shelley Capito
WV • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Mike Crapo
ID • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Thomas Tillis
NC • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
James Risch
ID • R
Sponsored 6/4/2025
Marsha Blackburn
TN • R
Sponsored 6/26/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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