Thin Blue Line Act

12/15/2023, 4:06 PM

Thin Blue Line Act

This bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder.

The Thin Blue Line Act, also known as Bill 118 s 459, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the penalties for individuals who commit certain crimes against law enforcement officers.

Specifically, the Thin Blue Line Act aims to make it a federal crime to kill, attempt to kill, or conspire to kill a federal law enforcement officer, a state or local officer, or a first responder. The bill also seeks to impose stricter penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment, for those convicted of such crimes.

Supporters of the Thin Blue Line Act argue that it is necessary to protect those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. They believe that by increasing the penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers, it will deter individuals from targeting them. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential for misuse of the death penalty and argue that it may not effectively address the root causes of violence against law enforcement officers. Overall, the Thin Blue Line Act is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to enhance the protection of law enforcement officers through stricter penalties for crimes committed against them. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters and opponents voicing their opinions on its potential impact.
Congress
118

Number
S - 459

Introduced on
2023-02-15

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

2/15/2023

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Thin Blue Line Act

This bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder.

The Thin Blue Line Act, also known as Bill 118 s 459, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the penalties for individuals who commit certain crimes against law enforcement officers.

Specifically, the Thin Blue Line Act aims to make it a federal crime to kill, attempt to kill, or conspire to kill a federal law enforcement officer, a state or local officer, or a first responder. The bill also seeks to impose stricter penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment, for those convicted of such crimes.

Supporters of the Thin Blue Line Act argue that it is necessary to protect those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. They believe that by increasing the penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers, it will deter individuals from targeting them. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential for misuse of the death penalty and argue that it may not effectively address the root causes of violence against law enforcement officers. Overall, the Thin Blue Line Act is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to enhance the protection of law enforcement officers through stricter penalties for crimes committed against them. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters and opponents voicing their opinions on its potential impact.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide enhanced penalties for convicted murderers who kill or target America's public safety officers.

Policy Areas
Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact
Crime victims
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Health personnel
Law enforcement officers
Violent crime

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary5/11/2023

Thin Blue Line Act

This bill expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder.


Latest Action2/15/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S428)