Bill Summary
The "No Bounties on Badges Act" is a proposed amendment to Title 18 of the United States Code, aimed at addressing violence and intimidation against law enforcement officers. This legislation authorizes the Attorney General to offer rewards to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or conviction of anyone who deliberately targets law enforcement officers with acts of violence, intimidation, or offers bounties for such actions. The bill includes provisions for rewarding information related not only to the actual commission of these acts but also to conspiracies or attempts to carry them out, as well as efforts to prevent these acts from occurring. The overall goal is to enhance the protection of law enforcement personnel by incentivizing public cooperation in combating targeted violence against them.
Possible Impacts
The "No Bounties on Badges Act" could have several implications for individuals and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Reporting of Crimes Against Law Enforcement**: The legislation authorizes financial rewards for individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or conviction of those who target law enforcement officials. This could incentivize more people to report suspicious activities or threats against law enforcement, potentially increasing overall public safety. However, it may also lead to concerns about the motivations behind such reports, as individuals might act out of a desire for monetary gain rather than civic duty.
2. **Potential for Misuse or False Reporting**: With the introduction of monetary rewards, there could be an increased risk of false reports or wrongful accusations against individuals. Those seeking the reward might fabricate information or manipulate circumstances to claim the bounty, leading to unwarranted investigations or even wrongful arrests. This could undermine trust in law enforcement and the judicial process, as people may fear that they could become targets of unfounded allegations.
3. **Impact on Community Relations with Law Enforcement**: The act may create a divide in communities, particularly in areas with historically strained relations with law enforcement. While some may view the legislation as a positive step toward protecting officers, others may see it as a means of further criminalizing dissent or opposition to police actions. This could exacerbate tensions between law enforcement and community members, particularly in areas where there is already distrust or fear of police practices.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7114 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7114
To amend title 18, United States Code, to authorize awards for the
arrest or conviction of individuals that deliberately target law
enforcement officials with acts of violence or intimidation, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 15, 2026
Mr. Moore of North Carolina (for himself, Mr. Ezell, Mr. Nehls, Mr.
Buchanan, Mr. Crawford, and Mr. Rutherford) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to authorize awards for the
arrest or conviction of individuals that deliberately target law
enforcement officials with acts of violence or intimidation, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No Bounties on Badges Act''.
SEC. 2. AWARDS AUTHORIZED.
(a) In General.--Chapter 204 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the chapter heading by striking ``AND ESPIONAGE''
and inserting ``, ESPIONAGE, AND OFFERING OF BOUNTIES''; and
(2) in section 3071, by adding at the end the following:
``(c) With respect to acts of offering a bounty or offering money
or other pecuniary compensation for harming or killing of any law
enforcement officer of the United States, the Attorney General may
reward any individual who furnishes information--
``(1) leading to the arrest or conviction, in any country,
of any individual or individuals for commission of such an act;
``(2) leading to the arrest or conviction, in any country,
of any individual or individuals for conspiring or attempting
to commit such an act; or
``(3) leading to the prevention or frustration of such an
act.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The item relating to chapter 204 in the
table of chapters for part II of title 18, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
204. Rewards for information concerning terrorist acts, 3071.
espionage, or offering of
bounties.
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