Bill Sponsor
Senate Bill 1599
117th Congress(2021-2022)
Back the Blue Act of 2021
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on May 12, 2021
Overview
Text
Introduced
May 12, 2021
Latest Action
May 12, 2021
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
1599
Congress
117
Policy Area
Crime and Law Enforcement
Crime and Law Enforcement
Primary focus of measure is criminal offenses, investigation and prosecution, procedure and sentencing; corrections and imprisonment; juvenile crime; law enforcement administration. Measures concerning terrorism may fall under Emergency Management or International Affairs policy areas.
Sponsorship by Party
Republican
Texas
Republican
Arkansas
Republican
Florida
Republican
Indiana
Republican
Louisiana
Republican
Mississippi
Republican
Nebraska
Republican
North Carolina
Republican
North Dakota
Republican
Oklahoma
Republican
South Carolina
Republican
South Dakota
Republican
Tennessee
Senate Votes (0)
House Votes (0)
No Senate votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Back the Blue Act of 2021

This bill establishes new criminal offenses for killing, assaulting, and fleeing to avoid prosecution for killing a judge, law enforcement officer, or public safety officer.

Additionally, the bill

  • expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to also include the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or firefighter or other first responder;
  • broadens the authority of federal law enforcement officers to carry firearms; and
  • limits federal court review of challenges to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge.

Finally, it directs the Department of Justice to make grants to law enforcement agencies and nongovernmental organizations to promote trust and improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Text (1)
Actions (2)
05/12/2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
05/12/2021
Introduced in Senate
Public Record
Record Updated
Jan 11, 2023 1:50:15 PM