Timothy Johnson on Crime Republican Representative (IL-15)

Require DNA testing for all federal executions.

Title: To reduce the risk that innocent persons may be executed.

Summary: Authorizes a person convicted of a Federal crime to apply for DNA testing to support a claim that the person did not commit:
1. the Federal crime of which the person was convicted; or

2. any other offense that a sentencing authority may have relied upon when it sentenced the person with respect to such crime.

3. Prohibits a State from denying an application for DNA testing made by a prisoner in State custody who is under sentence of death if specified conditions apply.

4. Provides grants to prosecutors for DNA testing programs.

5. Establishes the National Commission on Capital Representation.

6. Withholds funds from States not complying with standards for capital representation.

7. Provides for capital defense incentive grants and resource grants.

8. Increases compensation in Federal cases, and sets forth provisions regarding compensation in State cases, where an individual is unjustly sentenced to death.

9. Adds a certification requirement in Federal death penalty prosecutions.

10. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the execution of juvenile offenders and the mentally retarded.

Rated 77% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice.

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2005 NCJA scores as follows:

• 0%- 74%: "soft-on-crime" record (approx. 133 members)
• 75%- 84%: mixed record on criminal justice (approx. 114 members)
• 85%-100%: "tough-on-crime" record (approx. 216 members)

The National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) exists to promote the development of justice systems in states, tribal nations, and units of local government that enhance public safety; prevent and reduce the harmful effects of criminal and delinquent behavior on victims, individuals and communities; adjudicate defendants and sanction offenders fairly and justly; and that are effective and efficient.

Toward this end, the Association:

• Maintains the focus of state, tribal, local and federal governments on the needs of the criminal and juvenile justice systems;
• Represents state, tribal, and local criminal and juvenile justice system concerns to the federal government;
• Provides support for the development of criminal and juvenile justice policy for the nation's governors and tribal leaders;
• Supports the public and all levels of government in the achievement of public safety by the coordination of education, community and social service systems, in addition to law enforcement and criminal justice measures;
• Serves as a catalyst for the careful consideration and promotion of effective and efficient criminal and juvenile justice policies and practices;
• Advocates for the commitment of adequate resources to support all components of the criminal and juvenile justice systems; and
• Coordinates between the different branches and levels of government and promotes broad philosophical agreement.