Bill Summary
The "No Bounties on Badges Act" is a proposed amendment to Title 18 of the United States Code aimed at addressing acts of violence or intimidation directed at law enforcement officials. Specifically, the legislation seeks to allow the Attorney General to offer rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of individuals who either directly cause harm to law enforcement officers or conspire to do so. This includes acts that involve offering bounties for harming or killing law enforcement personnel. The Act intends to enhance protection for law enforcement by incentivizing the reporting of such criminal activities, thereby contributing to the safety and security of those who serve in these roles.
Possible Impacts
The "No Bounties on Badges Act" could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Reporting of Crimes Against Law Enforcement**: The legislation provides financial incentives for individuals to report information leading to the arrest or conviction of those targeting law enforcement officials. This could lead to an increase in community engagement and cooperation with law enforcement, thereby enhancing public safety and potentially reducing violence against officers.
2. **Deterrence of Violence Against Law Enforcement**: By establishing a system of rewards for information related to acts of violence or intimidation against law enforcement, the act may deter individuals from engaging in such behavior. Knowing that there are consequences and potential financial ramifications for targeting officers may lead to a reduction in such crimes.
3. **Impact on Civil Liberties and Community Relations**: While the act aims to protect law enforcement, there may be concerns about its implications for civil liberties. Communities may fear that the incentivization of reporting could lead to wrongful accusations or a chilling effect on free speech, particularly in neighborhoods where tensions between law enforcement and residents exist. This could complicate relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and might lead to distrust or fear among citizens regarding the potential for surveillance or retaliation.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3453 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 3453
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 SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
December 11, 2025
Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself, Mr. Budd, Mr. Lee, Mr. Ricketts, Mr.
Kennedy, and Mr. Graham) introduced the following bill; which was read
twice and 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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