Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996
| Date | Chamber | What was voted on | Result | Yes–No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 18, 1996 | House · vote #248 | On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended | Passed | 422–0 | See who voted → |
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.
Became Public Law No: 104-155.