This bill adds a new federal crime to Title 18 called “Crimes targeting law enforcement officers.” It says a person who willfully causes serious bodily injury to someone because that person is a law enforcement officer (or attempts to do so) can be punished by up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both. If the offense causes death, includes kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, or includes an attempt to kill, the punishment can be any term of years or life, a fine, or both.
The bill lists when the federal crime applies. Federal prosecution can occur if the conduct happens during travel across a State line or national border, or uses interstate or foreign commerce; if the defendant used a weapon or device that traveled in interstate or foreign commerce; if the conduct occurred on Federal property or interfered with Federal actors; or if the victim is a Federal law enforcement officer.
Before the United States may prosecute under this new section, the Attorney General (or a designee) must provide a written certification that either the State has asked the Federal Government to assume jurisdiction, or that a federal prosecution is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice. The Attorney General must consider the State verdict or sentence, planning and premeditation, intended outcome, disregard for human life, and benefit to public safety when making that decision. The bill also defines “law enforcement officer” and “State” for the new section and makes a small clerical change to the chapter table of contents.
No publicly available information.
The bill's text states its purpose is to punish criminal offenses that target law enforcement officers and to allow federal prosecution in certain interstate or federal circumstances.
No publicly available information.