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SENATE 1599117th CongressRead twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Back the Blue Act of 2021

Last Action
5/12/2021

Actions

  • 2021-05-12Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • 2021-05-12Introduced in Senate

CRS Summary

As of 2021-05-12 (00)

Back the Blue Act of 2021

This bill establishes new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer.

Additionally, the bill

  • expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or firefighter or other first responder;
  • broadens the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms; and
  • limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge.

Finally, it directs the Department of Justice to make grants to law enforcement agencies and nongovernmental organizations to promote trust and improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Cosponsors (20)

  • Marco Rubio (R-FL)
  • Mike Braun (R-IN)
  • Thomas Tillis (R-NC)
  • Rob Portman (R-OH)
  • Joni Ernst (R-IA)
  • Jerry Moran (R-KS)
  • Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
  • John Boozman (R-AR)
  • Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
  • Rick Scott (R-FL)
  • Steve Daines (R-MT)
  • Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
  • Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
  • Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
  • James Risch (R-ID)
  • James Lankford (R-OK)
  • Deb Fischer (R-NE)
  • Bill Hagerty (R-TN)
  • Tim Scott (R-SC)
  • Mike Crapo (R-ID)

Subjects

  • Assault and harassment offenses
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
  • Criminal procedure and sentencing
  • Detention of persons
  • Firearms and explosives
  • Fires
  • First responders and emergency personnel
  • Government buildings, facilities, and property
  • Judges
  • Law enforcement administration and funding
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Legal fees and court costs
  • Violent crime
  • Worker safety and health
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.