Enhanced Federal Penalties for Killing First Responders and Law Enforcement.
This bill establishes harsher penalties for individuals convicted of killing or attempting to kill police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. The act of targeting these public safety officers becomes a new, explicit aggravating factor in federal death penalty cases. This aims to strengthen the protection of those who ensure public safety by deterring potential offenders with stricter sentencing.
Key points
Killing or attempting to kill a public safety officer (police, firefighter, first responder) is added as a formal aggravating factor in federal death penalty sentencing.
The enhanced penalties apply if the crime occurred while the officer was on duty, because of their duties, or due to their status as a public employee.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_459
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Process start date: 2023-02-15