Protect and Serve Act of 2026
Latest action (3 Aug 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5214, the Protect and Serve Act of 2026, would amend the federal criminal code to create a new offense for willfully attempting to kill or killing a law enforcement officer because of the officer's status as such. Killing an officer under these circumstances would be punishable by imprisonment for a term of years or life, plus a possible fine; an attempt that causes serious bodily injury would carry up to 20 years in prison and a possible fine. Federal jurisdiction would apply only in specified circumstances, such as when interstate travel, interstate commerce, weapons that crossed state lines, or a federal officer-victim are involved.
The bill primarily affects individuals accused of targeting law enforcement officers, giving federal prosecutors an additional charge option in qualifying cases. It also affects law enforcement officers themselves, who are defined broadly to include those authorized to investigate crimes or to detain or incarcerate people. Federal prosecution under this new section would require written certification from the Attorney General or a designee, based either on a request from a state to take over the case or on a determination that federal prosecution serves the public interest, considering factors like prior state proceedings, premeditation, intended harm, disregard for human life, and benefit to public safety.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 3, 2026, by Senator Thom Tillis, with Senator Coons as a cosponsor, and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, and approval by both the Senate and House, before it could be sent to the President for signature.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on August 3, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5214 do?
- S. 5214, the Protect and Serve Act of 2026, would amend the federal criminal code to create a new offense for willfully attempting to kill or killing a law enforcement officer because of the officer's status as such. Killing an officer under these circumstances would be punishable by imprisonment for a term of years or life, plus a possible fine; an attempt that causes serious bodily injury would carry up to 20 years in prison and a possible fine. Federal jurisdiction would apply only in specified circumstances, such as when interstate travel, interstate commerce, weapons that crossed state lines, or a federal officer-victim are involved. The bill primarily affects individuals accused of targeting law enforcement officers, giving federal prosecutors an additional charge option in qualifying cases. It also affects law enforcement officers themselves, who are defined broadly to include those authorized to investigate crimes or to detain or incarcerate people. Federal prosecution under this new section would require written certification from the Attorney General or a designee, based either on a request from a state to take over the case or on a determination that federal prosecution serves the public interest, considering factors like prior state proceedings, premeditation, intended harm, disregard for human life, and benefit to public safety. The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 3, 2026, by Senator Thom Tillis, with Senator Coons as a cosponsor, and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, and approval by both the Senate and House, before it could be sent to the President for signature.
- Has S. 5214 become law?
- Not yet. As of 3 Aug 2026, S. 5214 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5214?
- S. 5214 was sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis [R-NC] (Republican-NC), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5214?
- Introduced (3 Aug 2026).
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