Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB36

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Patrick Underwood Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2023 This bill revises the federal criminal statute that prohibits assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain federal officers or employees. Among other changes, the bill increases the applicable penalties for such offenses.

Impact

If enacted, HB 36 would significantly impact individuals charged with offenses against federal officers. The bill outlines stricter punishments for various acts of aggression against these officers, which include forcible assaults, making physical contact with an intent to commit another felony, and utilizing deadly weapons. Specifically, each category of offense now involves increased fines and prison terms, reflecting a rigorous approach to safeguarding law enforcement personnel and responding to public safety concerns.

Summary

House Bill 36, known as the Patrick Underwood Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2023, focuses on amending title 18 of the United States Code to increase penalties for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers and employees. The bill's primary aim is to enhance the protection of law enforcement personnel while they are performing their official duties, responding to concerns about the rising instances of violence against such individuals. By raising the applicable penalties, the bill intends to serve as a deterrent against offenses committed towards federal officers.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various legislators who emphasize its necessity for protecting those who serve the public, some critics may argue about the implications of imposing harsher penalties in a system already perceived as skewed against certain populations. The bill does not address broader issues within the law enforcement community, such as systemic failures; thus, opponents may raise concerns that it focuses more on punishment rather than preventive measures and community safety initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB64

David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2022 or David’s Law This bill adds hate crime offenses and penalties to the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits interference with federally protected activities. Current law already prohibits and penalizes similar offenses under the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits hate crime offenses. Additionally, the bill authorizes state and local grants to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles. It also authorizes the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Justice to hire additional personnel to prevent and respond to alleged criminal civil rights offenses involving interference with federally protected activities. Finally, the bill directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to study whether it is appropriate to provide a sentencing enhancement for adult defendants who recruit minors to commit hate crime offenses.

US HB355

Back the Blue Act of 2023 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.

US HB195

This bill provides states with the authority to name post offices located in the state. The bill makes exceptions with respect to federally named post offices.

US HB218

State Immigration Enforcement Act This bill authorizes state and local governments to enact and enforce laws that penalize conduct prohibited under federal immigration law. Such state and local laws may only impose civil and criminal penalties that do not exceed the penalties imposed by federal law. The bill also revokes a federal law that preempts (blocks) state and local laws that impose civil or criminal penalties for employing non-U.S. nationals who are not authorized to work in the United States.

US HB485

Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023 This bill prohibits all federal health care programs, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and federally funded state health care programs (e.g., Medicaid) from using prices that are based on quality-adjusted life years (i.e., measures that discount the value of a life based on disability) to determine relevant thresholds for coverage, reimbursements, or incentive programs.

US HB415

End the Threat of Default Act This bill repeals the statutory debt limit, which limits the amount of money that the federal government may borrow.

US HB354

LEOSA Reform Act This bill broadens the authority for certain law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms across state lines. Specifically, the bill allows qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms and ammunition (including magazines) in school zones; in national parks; on state, local, or private property that is open to the public; and in certain federal facilities that are open to the public. Further, the bill permits states to reduce the frequency with which retired law enforcement officers must meet certain qualification standards.

US HB1301

Federal Employees Civil Relief Act

US HB403

No Mandates Act This bill prohibits federal agencies and certain entities that receive federal funding from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations. Specifically, federal agencies may not issue rules, regulations, or guidance that require an individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill also prohibits requiring a COVID-19 vaccination to access federal property and services or congressional grounds and services. Additionally, an entity that received federal COVID-19 relief funds or receives other federal funds after this bill's enactment may not require a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of providing any service to an individual.

US HB92

State Immigration Enforcement Act This bill authorizes state and local governments to enact and enforce laws that penalize conduct prohibited under federal immigration law. Such state and local laws may only impose civil and criminal penalties that do not exceed the penalties imposed by federal law. The bill also revokes a federal law that preempts (blocks) state and local laws that impose civil or criminal penalties for employing non-U.S. nationals who are not authorized to work in the United States.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.