Back the Blue Act of 2025
Congress Proposes New Federal Penalties for Attacking Law Enforcement and Expanded Gun Rights for Officers
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill makes it a federal crime to kill or assault law enforcement officers, judges, and first responders. This includes state and local police if their agency receives federal money. It also covers attacks on former officers based on their past work.
- People convicted of killing an officer would face at least 30 years in prison or even the death penalty. Those who run away to another state to avoid being caught for these crimes would face at least 10 extra years in prison.
- The plan limits how many times a person convicted of killing an officer can appeal their case in federal court. This is intended to speed up the legal process and reach a final decision faster for these specific crimes.
- It would be much harder for people to sue for money if they are injured while committing a serious crime. In those cases, a court could only award money for actual out-of-pocket expenses, like medical bills, and would not allow the person to collect money for legal fees.
- The policy allows active and retired officers to carry firearms and ammunition in more places, including school zones and some federal buildings. It also clarifies that law enforcement can carry gun magazines along with their weapons.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
People with criminal records — especially those convicted of violent crimes or felonies involving law enforcement — face significantly harsher consequences under this bill. If someone is injured during the commission of a felony or violent crime (including during arrest), they can no longer sue for full damages under Section 1983 civil rights law. They'd only be able to recover actual out-of-pocket costs like medical bills, and couldn't get attorney's fees, making it much harder to hold anyone accountable for excessive force during those encounters.
Activities
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
Sens. Britt and Tuberville sign onto 'Back the Blue Act'
Legislation reintroduced by Senator John Cornyn and 35 colleagues would significantly increase criminal penalties for assaults against law enforcement. The bill establishes a federal crime for killing federally funded officers and limits the ability of criminals to recover civil damages.
New 'Back the Blue' Bill Strengthens Protections and Penalties for Attacks on Law Enforcement
Led by Senator John Cornyn, the Back the Blue Act aims to hold attackers accountable with tougher federal penalties, including the death penalty. The legislation also limits appeals and civil claims for criminals who harm officers and expands self-defense rights for law enforcement.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Back the Blue Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(38)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.