Thin Blue Line Act

# Thin Blue Line Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The Thin Blue Line Act would make killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder an aggravating factor in death penalty cases. In practice, this means prosecutors could more easily argue for the death penalty when someone kills or targets these first responders, rather than pursuing other sentences like life imprisonment. **Who it affects:** The bill directly impacts how criminal cases are prosecuted when first responders—including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel—are killed or targeted.

It would also affect defendants in capital cases, their families, and the courts that determine sentences. **Current status:** The bill (S 83) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It has not advanced to become law.