Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996 - Makes Federal criminal code prohibitions against, and penalties for, damaging religious property or obstructing any person's free exercise of religious beliefs applicable where the offense is in, or affects, interstate commerce. (Currently such provisions apply only where: (1) the defendant, in committing the offense, travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses a facility or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in interstate or foreign commerce; and (2) the loss exceeds $10,000.)
Prohibits intentionally defacing, damaging, or destroying religious real property (or attempting to do so) because of the race, color, or ethnic characteristics of any individual associated with such property.
Increases penalties for violations of such provisions where bodily injury to any person, including a public safety officer, results or where such acts include the use, or attempted or threatened use, of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire.
Includes within the definition of "religious real property" fixtures or religious objects contained within a place of religious worship.
Sets a seven-year statute of limitations for the prosecution, trial, or punishment of a person for any noncapital offense under such provisions.
Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make guaranteed loans to financial institutions in connection with loans made to assist certain tax exempt religious or other organizations that have been damaged by arson or terrorism. Authorizes the Secretary to use for such loan guarantees up to $5 million of the amounts made available for FY 1996 for the credit subsidy provided under the General Insurance Fund and the Special Risk Insurance Fund.
Amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to include as "compensable crimes" under such Act crimes under this Act where victims suffer death or personal injury.
Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Treasury and Justice, including the Community Relations Service, to increase personnel to investigate, prevent, and respond to potential violations of this Act and Federal explosives prohibitions.
Reauthorizes the Hate Crimes Statistics Act.
Commends those individuals and entities that have responded with funds to assist in the rebuilding of places of worship that have been victimized by arson. Encourages the private sector to continue such efforts.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 422 - 0 (Roll No. 248).
Roll Call #248 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate.
Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 453.
Measure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S6937-6945)
Amendment SP 4341 proposed by Senator Faircloth.
Amendment SP 4341 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 98-0. Record Vote No: 171.
Roll Call #171 (Senate)Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 98-0. Record Vote No: 171.
Roll Call #171 (Senate)Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Enacted as Public Law 104-155
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Mr. Hyde asked unanimous consent that the House agree to the Senate amendment.
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.(consideration: CR H6982)
On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6982)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 104-155.
Became Public Law No: 104-155.