S. 1766: Protect Our Heroes Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Protect Our Heroes Act of 2025, aims to enhance the protection of federal, state, and local public safety officers, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and judicial officers. The bill outlines specific offenses related to the killings and assaults of public safety officers while they are on duty or in connection with their official responsibilities. Below are the main components and provisions of the bill:

Findings

The bill begins with findings underscoring the critical roles that law enforcement and public safety officials play in serving and protecting communities. It notes their daily sacrifices and the increasing targeting they face from criminals.

Protection of Public Safety Officers

Killing of Public Safety Officers

• The bill amends existing law to make it unlawful to kill, attempt to kill, or conspire to kill a current or former public safety officer or judicial officer while they are performing their official duties.
• It defines key terms such as "public safety officer," "law enforcement officer," and "judicial officer" to clarify who is protected under this law.

Penalties for Killing Public Safety Officers

• Violators can face severe penalties, including a minimum imprisonment of 10 years and up to life imprisonment. If the killing results in death, sentences could range from 30 years to life or even the death penalty.
• The bill mandates that the United States Sentencing Commission create guidelines to enhance sentencing for cases involving premeditated attacks against public safety officers.

Assault of Public Safety Officers

• The bill also addresses assaults on public safety officers, making it illegal to assault, or attempt to assault, these officers while they are engaged in their official duties.
• Similar definitions apply as with the killing provision, extending protections to officers on duty and those in connection with their work.

Penalties for Assaulting Public Safety Officers

• Penalties for assault depend on the severity of the assault. For example, an assault resulting in bodily injury can lead to 2-10 years of imprisonment, while assaults involving deadly weapons could result in 20 years or more.
• This section also encourages the Sentencing Commission to create guidelines to ensure offenders who lure officers into vulnerable situations face harsher penalties.

Regulatory Adjustments

The bill includes provisions for the United States Sentencing Commission to ensure guidelines are consistent and consider mitigating circumstances when determining sentences.

Relevant Companies

• None found