WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statements on introduction of their Stop Computer Crimes Proliferation Act, which would ensure state and local law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to enforce computer crimes:

“As cybercrimes become more pervasive, law enforcement officers need the right tools and training in order to go after criminals online,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would make sure state and local law enforcement agencies have what they need to hold these criminals accountable and educate the public on how to prevent and identify these crimes.”

“As we all spend more time on devices to connect with friends and family, run our businesses, or go to school, it is critical our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to protect Americans online, especially our children, from bad actors,” said Sen. Baldwin. “Our bill ensures state and local law enforcement have the tools and training they need to enforce the law, protect Americans, and adapt to our everchanging digital landscape.”

Background:

This bill re-authorizes the state grant program for training and prosecution of computer crimes for fiscal years 2024 through 2027. The Computer Crime Enforcement Act provides grants to states to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in enforcing criminal laws relating to computer crime, educating the public to prevent and identify computer crime, and acquiring computer and other equipment to conduct investigations of computer crimes.

Additionally, the grants may be used for the education and training of state and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors to conduct investigations and forensic analyses of evidence and prosecutions of computer crimes.

This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the Major County Sheriffs of America.