LaLota Joins Bill to Support Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, January 12th, 2023, Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) joined the entire New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), in introducing the Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering (SERVE) Our Communities Act. This legislation would authorize a $10 million grant program for each Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2029 through the Department of Justice for anti-recidivism grants.

“The SERVE Our Communities Act will help correct Albany Democrats’ dangerous soft-on crime policies including cashless bail and removing a judge’s discretion from pre-trial release,” said LaLota. “This bill deserves bipartisan support as my colleagues, regardless of party, should be doing more to support Law Enforcement Officers across the country to help them do their jobs. I remain committed to working with anyone to keep our families safe and secure.”

To read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.

Background:

• In many cities across the U.S., anti-police sentiment and “soft on crime” policies have caused crime to skyrocket.
• New York State is the only state in the entire country that does not allow judges to consider dangerousness when determining pre-trial conditions.
• Under the SERVE Act, states like New York would be incentivized through grant programs to adopt policies that hold repeat offenders accountable and bolster public safety.
• In order for a state or locality to be eligible for grants, they must:
  • Have a law on the books that allows a state court or magistrate to consider the danger an individual poses to the community when determining bail or pretrial conditions;
  • Have taken steps in the previous calendar year to hire and retain law enforcement or prosecutorial staff;
  • Have administered a public awareness campaign in the previous calendar year to combat anti-police sentiment and improve community-police relations.
• LaLota is the son and grandson of Police Officers and a former Naval Officer. 

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