Back the Blue Act of 2023

Back the Blue Act of 2023

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.

The Back the Blue Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 355, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at providing support and resources to law enforcement officers. The bill includes several key provisions, including increasing penalties for individuals who target law enforcement officers, providing funding for the purchase of body cameras and other equipment, and creating a grant program to support mental health services for officers.

One of the main components of the bill is the enhancement of penalties for crimes committed against law enforcement officers. This includes increasing the minimum sentence for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer to 10 years and creating a new offense for targeting officers with violence or threats. The bill also includes provisions for the creation of a national database to track incidents of violence against law enforcement officers.

In addition to increasing penalties, the Back the Blue Act of 2023 also aims to provide resources and support for law enforcement officers. This includes funding for the purchase of body cameras and other equipment to help improve transparency and accountability within police departments. The bill also establishes a grant program to support mental health services for officers, recognizing the unique challenges and stressors that come with the job. Overall, the Back the Blue Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to provide support and resources to law enforcement officers. By increasing penalties for crimes against officers, providing funding for equipment and mental health services, and creating a national database to track incidents of violence, the bill aims to improve the safety and well-being of those who serve and protect our communities.