Lawless Cities Accountability Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 11, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to compel state and local jurisdictions to maintain law enforcement presence and order by threatening to withhold federal funding if they are deemed "lawless" by the Attorney General based on specific criteria.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the availability of federal funds to any state or political subdivision that the Attorney General determines to be a "lawless jurisdiction." It defines "lawless jurisdiction" based on criteria related to law enforcement intervention, protection, funding, and refusal of federal assistance during widespread violence or destruction. The Attorney General is mandated to make these determinations quarterly and publicly.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is essential for ensuring public safety and holding local governments accountable for maintaining law and order, especially in the face of civil unrest or perceived failures to support law enforcement. They contend it prevents federal taxpayer money from supporting jurisdictions that fail to uphold basic governmental functions related to public safety.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that this bill grants excessive and potentially politically motivated power to the Attorney General, allowing for federal overreach into local governance and budgetary decisions. They would also contend that withholding federal funds could disproportionately harm communities reliant on federal aid, exacerbating existing problems rather than solving them.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding of its core provisions.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Federal Funds for Lawless Jurisdictions
This provision establishes the core mechanism of the bill, stating that no federal funds may be made available to any state or political subdivision that the Attorney General determines to be a "lawless jurisdiction." This creates a direct financial penalty for jurisdictions that meet the criteria for being deemed "lawless," impacting their access to various federal grants and aid programs.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision provides a necessary incentive for local governments to prioritize public safety and maintain law and order, ensuring federal taxpayer dollars are not sent to areas that are perceived as failing in these fundamental duties.
Critics contend
Critics would contend that this provision is an overreach of federal power, potentially weaponizing federal funding to interfere with local governance and budgetary decisions, and could disproportionately harm vulnerable populations who rely on federal aid in these jurisdictions.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the federal interest in national order and accountability with concerns about local autonomy and the potential for federal funds to support essential services in communities facing challenges.
Section 2(b)
Attorney General Determinations and Public Availability
This section mandates that the Attorney General must, within 30 days of the bill's enactment and then quarterly, identify which jurisdictions are "lawless." Crucially, the Attorney General must also make these determinations, along with a detailed explanation for each, publicly available. This ensures transparency in the designation process and provides public justification for any federal funding withdrawals.
Section 2(c)
Conditions for Reinstatement of Federal Funds
This provision outlines the conditions under which a jurisdiction, once designated as "lawless," can begin receiving federal funds again. Funds can be reinstated on the later of two dates: either 180 days after the initial "lawless" determination, or on the date the Attorney General determines the jurisdiction is no longer "lawless." This establishes a minimum period of withholding and requires a positive re-determination from the AG.
Section 3
Defining "Lawless Jurisdiction"
This section provides a comprehensive definition of what constitutes a "lawless jurisdiction," which is central to the bill's operation. It includes states or political subdivisions that: (1) forbid law enforcement intervention amid widespread violence; (2) withdraw law enforcement protection from accessible areas; (3) disempower or defund law enforcement agencies; or (4) refuse federal law enforcement assistance during unrest when unable to restore order. This definition sets the specific criteria the Attorney General must use for designations.