H.R. 4171 - The FOCUS Act

The “Freedom from Over-criminalization and Unjust Seizures Act of 2012” (FOCUS Act) seeks to reform the Lacey Act by substituting the Lacey Act’s criminal penalties with civil penalties and removing the Act’s reliance on foreign laws as the basis for determining violations.   S. 2062, introduced in February 2012 by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), and H.R. 4171, introduced by Rep. Paul C. Broun (R-GA) in March 2012, are identical companion bills.