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HR 970 109th Congress House

Gang Prevention and Effective Deterrence Act of 2005

Official title: To increase and enhance law enforcement resources committed to investigation and prosecution of violent gangs, to deter and punish violent gang crime, to prote… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: To increase and enhance law enforcement resources committed to investigation and prosecution of violent gangs, to deter and punish violent gang crime, to protect law-abiding citizens and communities from violent criminals, to revise and enhance criminal penalties for violent crimes, to reform and facilitate prosecution of juvenile gang members who commit violent crimes, to expand and improve gang prevention programs, and for other purposes.

Introduced: April 28, 2005 Introduced by: Schiff, Adam B. Democratic · California See on congress.gov
Crime and Law Enforcement Administrative procedureArrestArsonAssault
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AuthorizationAutomobile theftBriberyCapital punishmentChange of venueCivil Rights and Liberties, Minority IssuesCommunity policingCongressCongressional reporting requirementsConspiracyCourt recordsCrime preventionCriminal investigationCriminal justice informationCriminal procedureCriminal statisticsData banksDetention of personsDistrict courtsDrug abuseDrug law enforcementDrug trafficEconomics and Public FinanceEvidence (Law)ExtortionFamiliesFederal aid to law enforcementFederal-local relationsFederal-state relationsFines (Penalties)FirearmsForfeitureGangsGovernment Operations and PoliticsHomicideIndian law enforcementInterstate relationsJurisdictionJuvenile delinquencyKidnappingLarcenyLawLaw enforcement officersLimitation of actionsMagistratesMinoritiesMurderObstruction of justiceOrganized crimePerformance measurementPretrial procedureProbationProsecutionPublic prosecutorsRapeRight to counselScience, Technology, CommunicationsSentences (Criminal procedure)Sentencing guidelinesSex crimesSpeedy trialTransportation and Public WorksU.S. Sentencing CommissionVictims of crimesViolenceWarrants (Law)WitnessesWomenYouthYouth violence
This bill died when the 109th Congress ended
It never became law before the 109th Congress (2005–2006) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 11, 2005
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3136-3137)
Apr 4, 2005
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
Feb 17, 2005
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Feb 17, 2005
Introduced in House
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 Latest action May 11, 2005

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3136-3137)

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Gang Prevention and Effective Deterrence Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit various criminal street gang-related offenses, including participating in a criminal street gang by committing a predicate crime in furtherance of the activities of such gang, to gain entrance to or to maintain or increase position in the gang, or for the gang's benefit.

Amends: (1) the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit murder and other violent crimes committed during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and (2) the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to authorize the use of grants by the Attorney General to fund technology and training for prosecutors and to create and expand witness and victim protection programs.

Authorizes the Attorney General to: (1) designate high intensity interstate gang activity areas; and (2) expand the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

Prohibits traveling in, or causing another to travel in, interstate or foreign commerce with intent that one or more murders be committed in violation of State or Federal law.

Expands the scope of predicate crimes for authorization of interception of wire, oral, and electronic communications to cover violations relating to criminal street gangs.

Modifies code provisions regarding the treatment of Federal juvenile offenders. Amends the Federal judicial code to direct the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate and distribute guidelines for use by a court in determining the sentence to be imposed in a criminal case if the defendant committed the offense as a juvenile, and is tried as an adult.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 970: Gang Prevention and Effective Deterrence Act of 2005. 109th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/109-HR-970/
MLA
"H.R. 970: Gang Prevention and Effective Deterrence Act of 2005." 109th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/109-HR-970/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 970, 109th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/109-HR-970/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 970: Gang Prevention and Effective Deterrence Act of 2005](https://openamerica.io/bill/109-HR-970/)
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