Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act
Latest action (16 Aug 2019): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4192, the Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act, would amend federal criminal law (title 18 of the U.S. Code) to create a new federal offense for acts of domestic terrorism. Specifically, it would make it a federal crime to kill, kidnap, maim, or seriously injure a person, or to destroy or damage property in a way that creates a substantial risk of serious injury, when done within the United States with the intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence government policy through intimidation or coercion, or affect government conduct through mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. The bill also covers threats, attempts, and conspiracies to commit such acts, sets out the specific jurisdictional connections (such as use of interstate commerce, government targets, or weapons that crossed state lines) needed to bring a federal case, and requires written certification from the Attorney General or a senior designee before prosecution can proceed.
The bill would primarily affect federal prosecutors and law enforcement, giving them a specific charge to use against domestic terrorism, and it would affect individuals accused of such acts, who could face penalties under the existing federal terrorism sentencing provisions (section 2332b(c)). It also directs the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to produce a public report, within four years of enactment, on any civil liberties issues arising from the law's implementation, in consultation with relevant House and Senate committees.
The bill was introduced in the House on August 16, 2019, by Rep. Adam Schiff and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 116th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act
This bill applies penalties for international terrorism to certain domestic criminal offenses when they are committed with the intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a government, or affect the conduct of a government.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4192 do?
- H.R. 4192, the Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act, would amend federal criminal law (title 18 of the U.S. Code) to create a new federal offense for acts of domestic terrorism. Specifically, it would make it a federal crime to kill, kidnap, maim, or seriously injure a person, or to destroy or damage property in a way that creates a substantial risk of serious injury, when done within the United States with the intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence government policy through intimidation or coercion, or affect government conduct through mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. The bill also covers threats, attempts, and conspiracies to commit such acts, sets out the specific jurisdictional connections (such as use of interstate commerce, government targets, or weapons that crossed state lines) needed to bring a federal case, and requires written certification from the Attorney General or a senior designee before prosecution can proceed. The bill would primarily affect federal prosecutors and law enforcement, giving them a specific charge to use against domestic terrorism, and it would affect individuals accused of such acts, who could face penalties under the existing federal terrorism sentencing provisions (section 2332b(c)). It also directs the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to produce a public report, within four years of enactment, on any civil liberties issues arising from the law's implementation, in consultation with relevant House and Senate committees. The bill was introduced in the House on August 16, 2019, by Rep. Adam Schiff and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 116th Congress.
- Has H.R. 4192 become law?
- Not yet. As of 16 Aug 2019, H.R. 4192 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4192?
- H.R. 4192 was sponsored by Sen. Adam Schiff [D-CA] (Democrat-CA), with 9 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4192?
- Introduced (16 Aug 2019).
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