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Sergeant Steve Owen Defending Our Defenders Act

12/12/2023, 8:15 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1627

Bill 118 hr 1627, also known as the Sergeant Steve Owen Defending Our Defenders Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill is named in honor of Sergeant Steve Owen, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy who was tragically killed in the line of duty.

The main purpose of this bill is to provide additional protections and support for law enforcement officers and other first responders. It includes provisions to increase penalties for individuals who harm or attempt to harm law enforcement officers, as well as measures to enhance training and resources for officers dealing with mental health issues.

Additionally, the bill seeks to establish a grant program to assist law enforcement agencies in purchasing body cameras and other equipment to improve officer safety and accountability. It also includes provisions to enhance coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in order to better address threats to officer safety. Overall, the Sergeant Steve Owen Defending Our Defenders Act aims to strengthen support for law enforcement officers and first responders, while also promoting greater accountability and safety measures within these agencies.

Congressional Summary of HR 1627

Sergeant Steve Owen Defending Our Defenders Act

This bill establishes federal criminal offenses involving the murder of federal, state, or local law enforcement officers. Violators are subject to life in prison or death.

The bill sets forth aggravating factors (e.g., intent to ambush or prior history of promoting violence against a law enforcement officer) to be considered in determining whether to impose the death penalty.

Current Status of Bill HR 1627

Bill HR 1627 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 17, 2023. Bill HR 1627 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 17, 2023.  Bill HR 1627's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of March 17, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1627

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
46
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
44
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1627

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact Areas

- Assault and harassment offenses
- Crime victims
- Criminal procedure and sentencing
- Law enforcement officers
- Political movements and philosophies
- Terrorism
- Violent crime

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1627

Sergeant Steve Owen Defending Our Defenders Act
Sergeant Steve Owen Defending Our Defenders Act
To amend title 18, United States Code, to make the murder of a Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer a crime punishable by life in prison or death.

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