Back the Blue Act of 2019

United States116th CongressHR-5395House of Representatives
Updated: Jan 30, 2020

Summary

Back the Blue Act of 2019 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; limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge; and limits the recovery of compensatory damages and prohibits the recovery of attorney's fees by an individual for a violation of rights that occurred as a result of (or in the course of) conduct that constitutes a felony or crime of violence. 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.

Bill texts

Available versions
Introduced (House)View official text

1 version available

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Timeline

Latest companion bill action

S-1480: Back the Blue Act of 2019

Introduced in Senate

  1. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

    House of Representatives

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

    House of Representatives

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