Protect Law Enforcement Task Forces Act

This bill aims to formally authorize the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) to combat transnational organized crime and reduce the availability of illicit narcotics across the United States. Congress finds that OCDETF, established in 1982, has been a highly effective, prosecutor-led, multi-agency initiative. It coordinates investigations and prosecutions by bringing together Federal, State, and local law enforcement across 9 regions and 19 strike forces, with its Fusion Center leading intelligence sharing. This program has demonstrated a high return on investment, with significant seizures and arrests contributing to lowered crime rates. To achieve this, the Act directs the Attorney General, through the Director of OCDETF and in coordination with the Department of Justice and other specified federal agencies, to structure OCDETF within 180 days of enactment. These "covered agencies" include the Departments of the Treasury, Homeland Security, Labor, and State, as well as the U.S. Postal Service. Furthermore, the Attorney General and heads of covered agencies must submit a joint report to Congress within one year, detailing the task forces' successes, which should be largely unclassified and publicly accessible. The legislation itself is temporary, with a sunset provision stating it will have no force or effect after January 20, 2029.