Hinson’s bill aims to provide updated, accurate data on gang activity in U.S.

To combat rising gang-related crimes across America, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) recently offered a bipartisan bill that would require the U.S. Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress on gang activity, reporting, investigation, and prosecution. 

The Gang Activity Reporting Act of 2022, H.R. 9195, which Rep. Hinson sponsored on Oct. 18 with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), aims to inform Congress and law enforcement about gang-related crimes, including by transnational cartels, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers. 

“Increased crime and gang activity across the country is making us all less safe,” Rep. Hinson said. “The bipartisan Gang Activity Reporting Act will help ensure law enforcement has the necessary tools to prevent gang violence, stop gang recruitment, and keep our communities safe.”

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in violent crime, including an increase of more than 30 percent in the rate of murders since 2020, according to the text of the bill, which says that 2011 data from the U.S. Department of Justice indicates gangs are responsible for an average of 48 percent of violent crime in America.

“Up-to-date, accurate, and consistent reporting from the relevant federal agencies relating to gang activity in the United States is a foundational element in enabling policymakers to enact effective, evidence-based policy that protects the people of the United States from gang activity,” the bill says.

H.R. 9195 is companion legislation to the same-named S. 4981, introduced on Sept. 28 by U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in their chamber.

Specifically, the measure would require an annual collaborative report from the Attorney General — working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and state and local law enforcement — that would detail several factors, including juvenile involvement in gang activity, and the seizures of firearms, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other synthetic opioids from gangs, according to the lawmakers’ bill summary.