Fugitive Safe Surrender Reauthorization Act offered by Tillis

Bipartisan legislation recently cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) would reauthorize the Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS) program, a unique and successful initiative managed by the U.S. Marshals Service that encourages persons wanted for non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes to voluntarily surrender to the law in a faith-based or other neutral setting.

Sen. Tillis on July 27 introduced the Fugitive Safe Surrender Reauthorization Act of 2023, S. 2640, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to amend the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 to reauthorize the FSS Program.

“We need to make sure that U.S. Marshals can focus their time and resources on apprehending violent and dangerous criminals,” Sen. Tillis said. “This bipartisan legislation will support the U.S. Marshal Services’ innovative FSS program, which has proven to help protect the safety of law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”

If enacted, the legislation would authorize $10 million annually for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027 for the FSS program, according to the text of the bill.

According to information provided by Sen. Tillis’ staff, the FSS program began as a partnership between the U.S. Marshals Service, local law enforcement, and area churches. They work together to provide opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start to turn themselves in and address outstanding warrants in a safe environment. 

This process is safer for individuals with outstanding warrants, U.S. Marshals tasked with locating individuals with outstanding warrants, and the community, the information states.

S. 2640 is supported by the National Sheriffs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Evangelicals, the Jesuit Conference of Canada, the U.S. Office of Justice and Ecology, and the Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.