Bill > HR378

This bill, known as the "Thin Blue Line Act," amends Title 18 of the United States Code to add a new aggravating factor for the death penalty when the victim is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder. Specifically, the bill creates a new provision that allows the death penalty to be considered if the defendant killed or attempted to kill a person authorized by law to prevent, detect, investigate, or prosecute crimes, or to apprehend individuals, under three specific circumstances: (1) while the victim was performing their official duties, (2) because of the victim's performance of official duties, or (3) because of the victim's status as a public official or employee. This legislation aims to provide additional legal protection and recognition of the risks faced by law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders by making the intentional killing of such professionals a potential basis for capital punishment. The bill expands the existing list of aggravating factors that courts can consider when determining whether the death penalty is appropriate in a criminal case.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/378/all-info