Steube Introduces Bill to Improve Threat Detection and Crime Prevention
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced the Threat Information Protocol for Sharing (TIPS) Act that requires timely information sharing between law enforcement agencies to increase the effectiveness of threat detection and crime prevention. Congressman Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) joined in the introduction of this bipartisan legislation.
“As we look back on the various tragedies that have taken place across our nation, there have been far too many instances where red flags somehow fell through the cracks—often a result of ineffective communication between local and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Congressman Steube following the introduction of the bill. “This bill will ensure that threat-related information is disseminated to appropriate law enforcement agencies so that actionable intelligence is not lost in the system. Passing this legislation will have a meaningful impact on curbing violence and thwarting future plots in our country.”
This bill will mandate the information-sharing of all state-specific information received through the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) national tip line and online tip reporting website. The FBI will be required to submit monthly reports of all information received about individuals and threats to the appropriate state law enforcement agency.
“Acts of gun violence have become all too commonplace, and we must do more to protect our communities and prevent the next tragedy from occurring,” said Congressman Cisneros. “By creating mandatory information sharing between federal and local law enforcement, we can work to ensure critical intelligence doesn’t get lost and red flags are acted upon. I’m proud to join Congressman Steube in this important piece of legislation that fosters greater communication within our law enforcement and keeps our constituents and their communities safe.”
This bill also adds additional accountability and oversight for the FBI’s national tip line operations by directing the Government Accountability Office to review and make recommendations to improve the FBI’s processes and procedures in its operation of the national tip line. The FBI will also be required to annually report the number of criminal events associated with tips and their investigative action based on these tips.
Representatives Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Michael Turner (R-Ohio), and Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) all joined as original cosponsors of this legislation.
Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced a companion bill in the United States Senate, S. 2708.
