No Violent Criminals in the Federal Workforce Act
Summary
The "No Violent Criminals in the Federal Workforce Act" aims to prevent individuals convicted of violent crimes from holding federal employment or contracting with the government. It amends Title 5 of the United States Code to establish employment ineligibility and mandates contract clauses prohibiting covered individuals from working on federal contracts. Waivers may be granted by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under specific circumstances.
Expected Effects
The Act would likely reduce the risk of workplace violence and enhance public safety within federal workplaces and contracted services. It could also limit employment and contracting opportunities for individuals with prior convictions, potentially impacting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The Federal Acquisition Regulation would be revised to implement these provisions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased safety and security in federal workplaces.
- Potentially reduces the risk of negligent hiring.
- Reinforces public trust in government operations.
- May deter violent crime through employment consequences.
- Provides a framework for consistent application across federal agencies and contracts.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Limits employment opportunities for individuals who have served their time, potentially hindering rehabilitation.
- May disproportionately affect certain demographic groups with higher conviction rates.
- Could create bureaucratic hurdles and increase administrative costs for federal agencies and contractors.
- Potential for overly broad interpretation of "crime of violence".
- Waivers could be inconsistently applied, leading to perceived unfairness.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's constitutionality is complex. While Congress has broad authority to regulate federal employment and contracts, the Act could raise concerns regarding due process and equal protection under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. Specifically, the blanket prohibition on employment based on past convictions, without considering the nature of the crime or the individual's rehabilitation, might be challenged. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).