Blue Lives (H 5260)

This legislation would enhance the penalties for crimes committed against a police officer by making them “hate crimes.” In February, the ACLU testified in front of the House Judiciary committee stating that treating crimes against police officers as hate crimes devalues the discrimination that truly marginalized communities such as members of the LGBTQ community and people of color have faced for decades.  Similar legislation has been introduced throughout the country in response to the killing of six officers in Dallas in 2016.  However, FBI reports demonstrate that crimes committed against police, regardless of motive, are at an all time low. This legislation was held for further study after its hearing and no action was taken on it.