Back the Blue Act of 2025

A new federal crime would cover killing a police officer, judge, firefighter, or court worker. It would apply at any agency that takes federal money. If the person dies, the sentence would run from 30 years to life.

The same crime covers trying to kill one of these workers, or planning it with others. Even when no one is hurt, the sentence would start at 10 years.

Killing one of these workers would become a death-penalty crime in federal court. A separate section also tells juries to weigh the killing of police, prosecutors, judges, and first responders when they choose a death sentence.

A second new crime would cover assaults on state and local police at agencies that take federal money. Corrections, probation, and parole officers count too. Terms would start at 2 years for an injury. A serious injury would mean at least 10 years.

Using a deadly or dangerous weapon during the assault would set the lowest possible sentence at 20 years. That floor would apply even if the officer is not hurt.

Crossing state lines to dodge arrest or prison for killing, or trying to kill, one of these workers would be its own federal crime. Its 10-year term would be added on top of any other sentence.

The list of workers is wide. It takes in volunteer firefighters, ambulance crews, chaplains, court reporters, and prosecutors. State National Guard members count too.

Federal prosecutors could not bring the new assault charge alone. The Attorney General would have to sign off in writing first. The reason must be that the state cannot handle it, or that federal charges serve the public.

State prisoners now get one year to take a conviction to federal court. For these convictions the window would shrink to 180 days, and judges would face deadlines of their own.

If a state court already ruled on a claim about the sentence, a federal judge would have to leave it alone. That includes challenges to a death sentence.

Federal courts could halt a state execution in these cases only under three named laws. No other source of authority could be used.

A court rule now lets a judge reopen a final decision for unusual reasons. That option would be closed for people convicted of killing an officer or judge.

The appeal limits would cover any case pending when the bill becomes law, not just new ones. A deadline that had already started running would restart on that date.

Federal law bans guns within 1,000 feet of a school. Officers who meet federal standards could carry there even when off duty or outside their home state.

Today only officers on duty may bring a gun into a federal building. Off-duty and retired officers could as well. This covers lower-risk buildings that are open to the public.

A federal law already lets active and retired officers carry a hidden gun across state lines. Magazines would be added to that right. State size caps would then not reach them.

State and local officers could carry a firearm into a federal building or courthouse to place it in a secure locker. The Justice Department would write the rules within 60 days.

From 2026 through 2030 the Justice Department would fund training, community trust work, and privacy reviews. Studies of officer shift hours count too. The money would come from funds the department already has, including one crime grant program.