DC Mayor Bowser proposes stricter public safety legislation amid GOP push for crime control
Eden Villalovas
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Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed a package of public safety-focused legislation as Republicans urge district officials to address increasing crime rates.
The bill includes changes to existing language in current laws that will make laws more stringent and strengthen provisions for victims of crimes.
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“We have heard from our public safety partners and from members of the community about the gaps that exist in our public safety ecosystem — this package of legislation will address those gaps,” Bowser, a Democrat, said.
Earlier this month, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Accountability, joined House Republicans in requesting testimony from the U.S. attorney for the district at a congressional hearing on the rise in crime and data showing 67% of cases are not prosecuted.
Bowser answered questions about the public safety of the city. The legislation is set to be introduced on Tuesday after the D.C. Council votes on its budget plan.
Bowser addressed a question regarding Phillip Todd, a staffer for Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) who was stabbed in March. The alleged attacker, Glynn Neal, had been released from prison one day before the attack.
“We have been talking about changes to the law for some time,” Bowser said when asked about the fact that the suspect was a convicted criminal.
“We also know we have a new opportunity and new leadership at the council to address some of our policy recommendations. As I mentioned, some of these recommendations I made several years ago,” she added.
Part of the legislation makes it easier for judges to deny petitions of people wanting a reduced sentence if they have served over 15 years in prison. It also provides more options for judges to detain children accused of crimes before trial.
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“It gives the judges more tools and more discretion to look at all of the facts when making a decision about detention before trial,” Bowser said.
Other components of the bill include increased penalties for illegal gun possession, making strangulation a felony assault, and adding more penalties for violent crimes that target residents with physical or mental vulnerabilities, transit passengers, and transit and for-hire vehicle workers.