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Increased Federal Penalties for Assaults Causing Serious Injury to Law Enforcement.

This Act establishes new, severe federal penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers if the assault results in serious bodily injury. Citizens should be aware that this law enhances legal protection for those working in law enforcement, introducing penalties up to 10 years in prison, and life imprisonment in cases of death or kidnapping. Federal prosecution is only possible under specific circumstances, such as when the state lacks jurisdiction or when the Attorney General deems it necessary to secure substantial justice.
Key points
New Federal Crime: Assaulting a law enforcement officer causing serious bodily injury is now a specific federal offense.
Severe Penalties: Assault carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison; if the offense results in death, kidnapping, or attempted killing, the penalty can be life imprisonment.
Limited Federal Jurisdiction: Federal prosecution is only applicable if the crime involves interstate commerce (e.g., crossing state lines, using a weapon that traveled in interstate commerce) or if the victim is a federal officer.
Certification Requirement: The Attorney General must provide written certification to pursue federal prosecution, for instance, if state jurisdiction is insufficient or if it is in the public interest.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_4258
Sponsor: Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
Process start date: 2024-05-02
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Protect and Serve Act of 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_4258.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-05-02.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • New Federal Crime: Assaulting a law enforcement officer causing serious bodily injury is now a specific federal offense.
  • Severe Penalties: Assault carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison; if the offense results in death, kidnapping, or attempted killing, the penalty can be life imprisonment.
  • Limited Federal Jurisdiction: Federal prosecution is only applicable if the crime involves interstate commerce (e.g., crossing state lines, using a weapon that traveled in interstate commerce) or if the victim is a federal officer.
  • Certification Requirement: The Attorney General must provide written certification to pursue federal prosecution, for instance, if state jurisdiction is insufficient or if it is in the public interest.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

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