STOP Scams Against Seniors Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6426
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-04: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T08:05:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow federal grant funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to support the creation and operation of elder justice task forces. The goal is to combat financial scams, fraud, and exploitation targeting people aged 60 and older.
Key Provisions
- Grant Authorization: Adds a new allowable use of grant funds for establishing, operating, and implementing elder justice task forces. These task forces may involve or work with state and local law enforcement, prosecutors, adult protective services, and federal agencies such as the FBI, Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, and U.S. Secret Service.
- Reporting Requirements: Creates a new section requiring grant recipients to track and report specific data on task force activities, including the number of cases started, cases completed, victims assisted with support or restitution, types of scams used, methods of initial contact with victims, and any signs of organized or cross-border crime involvement.
- Attorney General Oversight: Directs the Attorney General to compile and submit an annual summary of this data to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill expands the permitted uses of Byrne JAG funds by adding elder justice task forces as an explicit category. It also introduces new mandatory reporting obligations for any grants used for this purpose, which were not previously required under the existing subpart.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: State and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and adult protective services may receive additional resources and coordination support from federal agencies to handle elder fraud cases.
- Citizens: Individuals aged 60 and older could benefit from increased investigation and assistance in scam cases, potentially leading to more recoveries or victim support.
- International Relations: No direct effects are specified, though reporting on transnational crime indicators may indirectly inform federal efforts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors
- Adult protective services professionals
- Federal agencies including the FBI, FTC, DOJ, and U.S. Secret Service
- Older adults (age 60+) who are victims of financial scams
- Grant recipients and the Department of Justice for administration and oversight
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill operates within existing federal grant authority under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act and does not create new criminal offenses or alter constitutional protections. It emphasizes intergovernmental coordination without mandating participation by any entity.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (20)
Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-04: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-12-04: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Strengthening Task forces to Oppose Predatory Scams Against Seniors Act — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (3 pages)