H.R. 1281, The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007

• This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.

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H.R. 1281 would amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain deceptive practices in Federal elections.

Detailed Summary

Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal law to make it unlawful for anyone before a federal election to knowingly communicate, or attempt to communicate, false election-related information about that election, with the intent to prevent another person from exercising the right to vote.

Increases from one year to five year's imprisonment the criminal penalty for intimidation of voters.

Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to review and, if appropriate, amend the federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of any offense under this Act.

Authorizes any person to report to the Attorney General false election information or intimidation of voters.

Requires the Attorney General, immediately after receiving such a report, to consider and review it and, if there is a reasonable basis to find that a violation has occurred, to: (1) undertake all effective measures necessary to provide correct information to voters affected by the false information; (2) refer any pertinent matter to the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for prosecution; and (3) refer the matter to the appropriate federal and state authorities for criminal prosecution or civil action after the election.

Directs the Attorney General to study and report to Congress the feasibility of providing such corrective information through public service announcements, the emergency alert system, or other forms of public broadcast.

Requires the Attorney General to establish a Voting Integrity Task Force to carry out the requirements of this Act with respect to any general, primary, run-off, or special election for federal office.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 4/18/2007: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 61.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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