Local Courthouse Safety Act of 2012 (H.R. 6185 and S. 2076) 

“Giving local courthouses the resources to enhance their security, and to do so at no cost to the federal taxpayer, is a win-win for everyone,” stated Representative Sandy Adams (R-FL) on August 1, 2012 during the House Judiciary Committee’s markup of the Local Courthouse Safety Act (H.R.  6185).  During the session, Representative Adams spoke movingly of a 1983 courthouse attack in an Orange County, Florida courthouse.  The attack resulted in the deaths of two bailiffs and left another paralyzed. 

Congresswoman Adams is the primary House sponsor of the Local Courthouse Safety Act.  This same bill (S. 2076 ) was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in May, which is sponsored by Senator Al Franken (D-MN).  The House Judiciary Committee approved H.R.  6185, as introduced, by a bipartisan voice vote.

The bill would give state courts priority for obtaining surplus security equipment from the federal government via the General Services Administration.  In addition, the bill reinforces the authority of State Justice Institute (SJI) to award grants for court security and would set a $300 threshold of a court security equipment match for applicants when they apply for SJI funds for a court security-related project.  The next step for H.R. 6185/S. 2076 is approval by both the full House and Senate.  (Dimas)