S 459 United States Senate · 118th Congress

Thin Blue Line Act

This bill amends federal law to add a new aggravating factor for death penalty cases involving the killing of law enforcement officers or first responders. Specifically, it makes it a capital offense if someone kills or targets a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder while they are performing official duties, because of their duties, or due to their status as a public official. The change applies to cases where the victim was engaged in preventing, investigating, or prosecuting crimes, or providing emergency services. This policy shift directly affects defendants convicted of such killings by expanding the circumstances under which the death penalty could be sought.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Feb 15, 2023 Last action Feb 15, 2023
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Feb 15, 2023
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S428)
upper
Feb 15, 2023
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
upper
Feb 15, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 14 co-sponsors

Sponsors