Back the Blue Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2023-12-15T15:53:38Z

Explore the details of House Bill 355 Back the Blue Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Crime and Law Enforcement. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/15/2023, 3:53 PM

Summary of Bill HR 355

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 355

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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 355

Bill HR 355 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 13, 2023. Bill HR 355 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 13, 2023. Bill HR 355's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 13, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 355

Total Number of Sponsors

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Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 355

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact Areas

Assault and harassment offensesCivil actions and liabilityCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationCriminal procedure and sentencingDetention of personsFirearms and explosivesFiresFirst responders and emergency personnelGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyJudgesLaw enforcement administration and fundingLaw enforcement officersLegal fees and court costsViolent crimeWorker safety and health