Bill117th CongressFiled May 12, 2021Crime and Law Enforcement
S. 1599
Back the Blue Act of 2021
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
FiledFiled
CommitteeComm.
PassedFloor
Both ChambersBoth
Became LawLaw
What it doesSummary introduced in senate (May 12, 2021)
Back the Blue Act of 2021
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.
What just happenedMay 12, 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Who’s behind it
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX](R-TX)Sponsor
21 cosponsors21 R
21cosponsors1committees2actions1related bills15subjects
- Introduced in SenateMay 12, 2021
- May 12, 2021IntroReferral
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Judiciary Committee - May 12, 2021IntroReferral10000
Introduced in Senate