This bill establishes a new federal crime under title 18, United States Code, specifically targeting offenses against law enforcement officers. It mandates severe penalties for individuals who willfully cause serious bodily injury to an officer, with imprisonment up to 10 years. If the offense results in death , or involves kidnapping or an attempt to kill, the perpetrator faces imprisonment for any term of years or life. Federal jurisdiction for these crimes applies when the conduct involves interstate travel or commerce, the use of weapons that traveled in interstate commerce, occurs on federal property, or targets a federal law enforcement officer. Prosecution by the United States requires a written certification from the Attorney General, which can be issued if a state requests federal jurisdiction or if federal prosecution is deemed in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice . In determining public interest, the Attorney General must consider factors such as the outcome of state charges, the extent of planning, the intended outcome, disregard for human life, and the benefit to public safety from federal prosecution. The bill defines a "law enforcement officer" as an employee of a governmental or public agency authorized to prevent, detect, investigate, or supervise criminal violations or the detention of individuals.
Assault and harassment offensesCrime victimsCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationFirearms and explosivesLaw enforcement officersViolent crime
Protect and Serve Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-1551| House
| Updated: 2/25/2025
This bill establishes a new federal crime under title 18, United States Code, specifically targeting offenses against law enforcement officers. It mandates severe penalties for individuals who willfully cause serious bodily injury to an officer, with imprisonment up to 10 years. If the offense results in death , or involves kidnapping or an attempt to kill, the perpetrator faces imprisonment for any term of years or life. Federal jurisdiction for these crimes applies when the conduct involves interstate travel or commerce, the use of weapons that traveled in interstate commerce, occurs on federal property, or targets a federal law enforcement officer. Prosecution by the United States requires a written certification from the Attorney General, which can be issued if a state requests federal jurisdiction or if federal prosecution is deemed in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice . In determining public interest, the Attorney General must consider factors such as the outcome of state charges, the extent of planning, the intended outcome, disregard for human life, and the benefit to public safety from federal prosecution. The bill defines a "law enforcement officer" as an employee of a governmental or public agency authorized to prevent, detect, investigate, or supervise criminal violations or the detention of individuals.