Back the Blue Act of 2023

2/22/2024, 5:58 PM

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.
The Back the Blue Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 1569, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of providing support and resources to law enforcement officers across the country. The bill includes several key provisions that are designed to enhance the safety and well-being of police officers, as well as to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

One of the main components of the Back the Blue Act is the establishment of a grant program that would provide funding to law enforcement agencies for the purchase of equipment, training, and other resources. This funding is intended to help police officers better protect themselves and the public, as well as to improve their ability to respond to emergencies and effectively combat crime.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase penalties for individuals who target law enforcement officers, such as by assaulting or killing them. These provisions are aimed at deterring violence against police officers and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The Back the Blue Act also includes provisions to enhance the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers, such as by providing incentives for individuals to pursue careers in law enforcement and offering support for officers who may be experiencing mental health challenges or other issues. Overall, the Back the Blue Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to support and protect law enforcement officers while also promoting accountability and transparency within the criminal justice system. It is intended to strengthen the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve, and to ensure that law enforcement agencies have the resources and support they need to effectively carry out their duties.
Congress
118

Number
S - 1569

Introduced on
2023-05-11

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/11/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

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.
The Back the Blue Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 1569, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of providing support and resources to law enforcement officers across the country. The bill includes several key provisions that are designed to enhance the safety and well-being of police officers, as well as to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

One of the main components of the Back the Blue Act is the establishment of a grant program that would provide funding to law enforcement agencies for the purchase of equipment, training, and other resources. This funding is intended to help police officers better protect themselves and the public, as well as to improve their ability to respond to emergencies and effectively combat crime.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase penalties for individuals who target law enforcement officers, such as by assaulting or killing them. These provisions are aimed at deterring violence against police officers and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The Back the Blue Act also includes provisions to enhance the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers, such as by providing incentives for individuals to pursue careers in law enforcement and offering support for officers who may be experiencing mental health challenges or other issues. Overall, the Back the Blue Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to support and protect law enforcement officers while also promoting accountability and transparency within the criminal justice system. It is intended to strengthen the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve, and to ensure that law enforcement agencies have the resources and support they need to effectively carry out their duties.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to protect law enforcement officers, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Crime and Law Enforcement

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/20/2024

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.

Addition...


Latest Action5/11/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.