Senator Rick Scott has introduced the No Bounties on Badges Act, a bill designed to expand federal reward authority for information leading to the arrest, conviction, or prevention of individuals who offer bounties aimed at harming or killing law enforcement officers. The legislation specifically targets those who attempt to intimidate or target police through financial incentives.
The bill is supported by Senators Ted Budd, Mike Lee, Pete Ricketts, John Kennedy, and Lindsey Graham as cosponsors.
In a statement about the legislation, Senator Rick Scott said, “Our men and women in law enforcement already face enormous risks, and anyone who puts a price on harming them should be held fully accountable. My No Bounties on Badges Act makes clear that the federal government will aggressively pursue anyone who offers bounties or financial incentives to target the men and women who protect our communities. By expanding reward authority, we’re giving investigators another tool to stop these violent acts before they happen. I will continue working to ensure our officers have the support, protection, and respect they deserve for putting their lives on the line protecting us all.”
Senator Ted Budd added his support: “Every day, our law enforcement officers answer the call to keep our communities safe. Any bounty placed on their heads is intolerable and will be confronted with the full force of the law. I am proud to stand with Senator Scott to empower the Attorney General to find these criminals and hold them accountable for threats to our police.”
Senator John Kennedy also commented: “Narco-terrorists and violent lunatics are offering cash rewards for the physical harm of American law enforcement officers. That’s despicable and cannot stand. The No Bounties on Badges Act would strengthen the good guys’ ability to identify, stop and prosecute sick monsters who put officers’ lives at risk.”
The proposed legislation aims to provide investigators with additional tools in addressing threats against law enforcement by making it clear that such actions will be met with federal resources dedicated toward prevention and prosecution.
