Bill Overview
Title: Holding Violent Criminals and Child Predators Accountable Act of 2022
Description: This bill increases criminal penalties for certain crimes involving child sexual abuse and interstate domestic violence that results in the death of the victim.
Sponsors: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by child sexual abuse and domestic violence resulting in death
Estimated Size: 15000000
- The bill targets individuals who have committed crimes involving child sexual abuse and interstate domestic violence resulting in death, likely resulting in stricter sentences.
- Statistics from different countries point to a significant global problem involving child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
- According to global reports, millions are affected by these crimes either directly or indirectly each year.
- The legislation is aimed at holding accountable those who commit such acts, which suggests impact on those accused or convicted of these crimes.
Reasoning
- The policy directly targets improving justice for victims of child sexual abuse and interstate domestic violence resulting in fatalities, potentially many affected indirectly by these crimes will experience improved safety and justice.
- The budget over ten years is substantial but needs to be spread across many states and jurisdictions.
- Victims may experience peace of mind or feel more secure after implementation, while those indirectly affected might see community benefits.
- Perpetrators or potential perpetrators could be deterred or penalized more heavily under the new laws, likely affecting their Cantril scores negatively.
- Overall, changes in wellbeing will vary widely depending on personal involvement or proximity to these crimes, social and economic standing, and personal views on criminal justice.
Simulated Interviews
Social Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction.
- Justice needs to be served more effectively for victims.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Police Officer (Austin, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increased penalties should deter would-be offenders.
- Would like to see better preventative measures in place as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (New York, NY)
Age: 18 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy gives a voice to those afraid to speak out.
- Hopeful for substantial community improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public Defender (Chicago, IL)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There must be a balance to protect against wrongful convictions.
- Need to ensure fair trials continue despite harsher penalties.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Father of teenager (Detroit, MI)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stronger laws could deter dangerous situations at schools.
- Wants schools to implement these policies effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
School Teacher (Orlando, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ultimately, strong laws like this protect the classroom too.
- Wants greater educational resources to assist affected children.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Rural Colorado)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this bolster safety even in quiet areas.
- Believes in supporting victims but also protecting innocent accused.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Victim Advocate (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy can empower victims to report their abuse.
- Concerns about the system's ability to handle increased case loads.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Probation Officer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased penalties might deter some offenses but reform is necessary.
- Focus on treatment and rehabilitation is needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Judge (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can enforce accountability and manifest justice.
- Hopeful that this helps empower victims to come forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $55000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $75000000)
Year 3: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $80000000)
Year 5: $70000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $90000000)
Year 10: $80000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $100000000)
Year 100: $80000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $100000000)
Key Considerations
- Impact on the criminal justice system, including costs of longer sentences and additional administrative burdens.
- Potential deterrent effects reducing crime rates over time.
- Judicial adaptations required for implementing new sentencing guidelines.
- Societal benefits and harms, particularly focusing on the balance between justice and rehabilitation.