Rep. Panetta Authors and Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Hire, Train, and Retain New Prosecutors
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to better support, hire, train, and retain local prosecutors critical to protecting local public safety. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The Helping Improve Recruitment and Retention Efforts for Prosecutors (HIRRE Prosecutors) Act of 2024 would create a competitive federal grant program to better assist district attorneys in prosecuting cases and protecting the rule of law, with the staff and resources they need to get the job done. Reps. Jim Baird (IN-04), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Don Bacon (NE-02) are co-leading this effort in the House.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many local prosecutors have seen increased turnover. Some district attorneys’ offices have experienced vacancies as high as 16 percent, struggling to both retain and fill the staff critical to upholding the law. Unlike police departments, local prosecutors receive little to no federal assistance. The HIRRE Prosecutors Act would address that gap through a new program modeled on the successful, decades-old COPS Hiring Program, which would invest $10 million annually in the hiring, training, and retention of prosecutors and staff.
“For far too long, our local district attorneys’ offices have had to compete with private, better-paying law firms for talented attorneys, which often leads to limited personnel to effectively prosecute local crime,” said Rep. Panetta, a former prosecutor in Monterey and Alameda Counties. “The HIREE Prosecutors Act would create a first-of-its-kind federal grant program to invest in the legal talent needed to work as prosecutors, better prosecute cases, and hold people accountable. With these types of federal grants, the federal government can play its part to help our local prosecutors properly seek truth and justice and help provide public safety.”
“In order to protect public safety and the rule of law, it is critical that we have enough well-trained prosecutors who seek justice when crimes are committed. This bill supports local district attorney offices to ensure they have the resources needed to better attract and retain talented attorneys to prosecute local crime,” said Sen. Casey. “I will always fight for Pennsylvania communities, and investing in local prosecutors is vital to keeping our Commonwealth safe.”
“We can’t address America’s violent crime problem if local officials don’t have the resources they need to prosecute offenders,” said Rep. Baird. “This legislation will provide a lifeline to communities struggling to meet the growing needs of prosecutors by helping them hire and retain the best attorneys.”
“As we work to build safer communities, we must support our state, territorial, local, and tribal prosecutors, who work each and everyday to protect the public. That’s why I’m proud to support the HIRRE Prosecutors Act, and applaud Rep. Panetta’s leadership on the same — together, we are helping communities across the nation, especially folks in our rural and mountain communities, recruit and retain qualified attorneys,” said Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse.
“Our local law enforcement officers need essential support from the Department of Justice,” said Rep. Bacon. “Our legislation will ensure and stabilize the police department and strengthen local district attorney offices to prosecute cases. The HIRRE Prosecutors Act will provide a program for competitive grants to district attorneys’ offices to enforce the law and prosecute criminals.”
“The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) strongly supports the HIRRE Prosecutors Act for its immediate, transformative impact on prosecutors' offices nationwide,” said Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association. “This Act addresses critical issues seen in jurisdictions of all sizes like understaffing, heavy caseloads, and high turnover by establishing a federal grant program to fund hiring, training, and retention. Prosecutors are vital to our justice system and public safety, and this legislation will ensure they have the necessary resources to protect our communities effectively.”
“In the last four years, caseloads for prosecutors in our office have skyrocketed. All of this leads to burnout, low morale, and, ultimately, vacant positions,” said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. “We are not alone. DA’s Offices in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, New York, Utah, and most other places are all feeling this problem. We need more prosecutors to better achieve justice for all in our community.”
“This bill is an important step in supporting prosecutors and public safety,” said Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeffrey Rosell.
“Nationwide district attorney offices are struggling to hire and retain prosecutors,” said Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni. “The HIRRE Act is a commitment to a justice system that empowers prosecutors with the necessary staffing and tools to uphold the highest standards of fairness but also reinforces public trust in the legal process.”
“I am in full support of the HIRRE Prosecutors Act of 2024,” said San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow. “This proposed law will help district attorneys to recruit and employ critically needed prosecutors to provide fair administration of justice, protect victims’ rights, and hold violent offenders accountable for their actions.”
###