Bill > S1766

This bill, known as the "Protect Our Heroes Act of 2025," aims to enhance legal protections for public safety officers by creating new federal criminal offenses and increasing penalties for those who target law enforcement, firefighters, judicial officers, and other public safety professionals. The bill defines a broad range of public safety officers, including law enforcement, firefighters, chaplains, rescue squad and ambulance crew members, and court personnel. It establishes two primary new criminal offenses: killing and assaulting public safety officers, with specific conditions that trigger federal jurisdiction, such as interstate travel, use of interstate commerce, or involvement of federally funded agencies. For killing a public safety officer, the penalties range from 10 years to life imprisonment, with potential life sentences or capital punishment if a death results. Assault penalties vary based on the severity of injury, ranging from 1 year to 20 years in prison, with additional enhancements for using weapons or luring officers to a location with malicious intent. The bill also directs the United States Sentencing Commission to create guidelines that provide consistent and proportionate sentencing for these crimes, reflecting Congress's intent to strongly protect those who serve and protect communities.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1766/all-info