Justice for Murder Victims Act
Sponsored By: Senator Chuck Grassley
Passed Senate
Summary
Would allow federal homicide prosecutions even when the victim dies long after the harmful act. It would also bar the death penalty when more than 1 year and 1 day pass between the act and the death.
Show full summary
- Families and survivors: They could see federal homicide charges brought even if the victim dies much later, giving another route to hold perpetrators accountable.
- Defendants: The death penalty would be unavailable if the victim's death occurs more than 1 year and 1 day after the act, with punishment limited to a term of years or life imprisonment.
- Prosecutors and courts: To seek a death sentence the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that death occurred within 1 year and 1 day of the act. The rule applies to acts or omissions after enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Death penalty limited by 1-year rule
If enacted, the death penalty would be allowed only if the victim died within 1 year and 1 day of the act. The government would have to prove this beyond a reasonable doubt. If the death happened later, the death penalty would be off the table. The sentence would be any term of years or life. This change would take effect on enactment.
Homicide charges allowed after delayed death
This bill would let federal prosecutors bring homicide charges even if the victim dies long after the injury. It would apply only to acts that happen after enactment. It would not override the general 18 U.S.C. 3282(a) time limit when that law applies.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Chuck Grassley
IA • R
Cosponsors
Jon Ossoff
GA • D
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Mike Lee
UT • R
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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