[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 96 (Friday, July 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1298]]
 INTRODUCTION OF ``JAKE'S LAW''--THE JUSTICE THROUGH ASSURED KNOWLEDGE 
                   AND ENFORCEMENT (JAKE) ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a little boy who, five months ago this Saturday, was tragically lost to 
his family. On February 22nd of this year, in Independence, Missouri, 
six year old Jake Robel was sitting in his mother's car when it was 
stolen. Jake got caught in the seat belt attempting to flee the car and 
was dragged to his death at speeds up to 80 miles per hour. The man 
accused of this horrific act had been released from jail that day, even 
though he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. This senseless 
tragedy could have been avoided had a background check been made prior 
to the suspect's release from jail. In Jake's memory, I will introduce 
the Justice through Assured Knowledge and Enforcement Act of 2000, or 
``Jake's Law'', which will require a comprehensive warrant check prior 
to release of prisoners.
  The Greater Kansas City community has rallied around this effort. 
Concerned parents and citizens have joined together to urge that Jake's 
Law become a reality. In addition to the over one million signatures 
they have collected on petitions, they have also held town meetings, 
which my staff and I have attended, to make their concerns known. I am 
introducing this legislation today in order to make sure their voices 
are heard, and Jake is remembered.
  Jake's Law will establish a nationwide prerelease records check 
system so that local law enforcement agencies will have immediate 
access to prisoners' records in jurisdictions throughout the United 
States. All law enforcement agencies will be required to integrate this 
mandatory warrant check into their standard prerelease procedure. 
Jake's Law does not federalize any crime or infringe upon state's 
rights. It simply ensures the cooperation and communication needed to 
safeguard people from individuals who should remain imprisoned.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to support this common sense 
legislation, and prevent another tragedy like Jake Robel.

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