Bill · S. 5214· Senate(119-S-5214)
Protect and Serve Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 8/3/2026
- Last activity
- 8/3/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Thomas Tillis
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Protect and Serve Act of 2026" aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to punish criminal offenses that target law enforcement officers. It establishes specific penalties for those who willfully attempt or succeed in killing an officer solely because of their status as a law enforcement officer. The bill applies to various circumstances, including interstate commerce or when the victim is a Federal law enforcement officer. It also establishes specific certification requirements for United States prosecutions of these offenses.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill expands federal jurisdiction and prosecution authority over crimes targeting law enforcement officers.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-2
The bill mandates federal certification for certain prosecutions, which may limit state-led federal intervention.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased penalties for targeting officers: The bill provides for imprisonment for any term of years or life for killing a law enforcement officer, and up to 20 years for attempting to kill an officer causing serious bodily injury (Section 2(a)). This acts as a deterrent against those targeting officers based on their profession.
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Defined protections for various officers: The act covers those authorized to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, detention, or incarceration of criminal violations (Section 2(d)(1)).
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Standards for federal prosecution: The Attorney General must consider factors such as premeditation, disregard for human life, and public safety when determining if a federal prosecution is necessary (Section 2(c)(1)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Federal prosecution restrictions: No prosecution for these offenses can be undertaken by the United States unless the Attorney General or a designee provides written certification (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Specific criteria for federal intervention: Federal prosecution is limited to cases where a State has requested jurisdiction or when the Attorney General determines it is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice based on specific standards (Section 2(c)(1)(A)-(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Increase States Rights-2
- 8/5/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Catherine Cortez MastoDemocrat · Nevada