H.R. 378 — Thin Blue Line Act

This section establishes a new aggravating factor in federal death penalty cases, designated as 18 U.S.C. § 3592(c)(17), for the killing or attempted killing of certain law enforcement personnel, firefighters, or first responders (i.e., persons authorized to prevent, investigate, prosecute, or incarcerate for crimes; apprehend or arrest individuals for crimes; or serve as firefighters or other first responders). The factor applies when the victim was killed or targeted while engaged in official duties, because of such duties, or because of their status as a public official or employee.