New ‘Blue Lives Matter’ laws passed by states
A look at new ‘Blue Lives Matter’ laws passed by states
More than a dozen states have passed legislation within the past year enhancing penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers. Here’s a look at those measures:
ARIZONA
Expands the crime of aggravated assault against on-duty officers to also apply to off-duty peace officers not engaged in police activities, and adds offenses committed maliciously against peace officers as grounds for enhanced sentences. SB 1366 , entitled the “Blue Lives Matter Law,” signed April 17 by Gov. Doug Ducey.
ARKANSAS
Creates enhanced penalties for offenses targeting current or former law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical providers, prosecutors, corrections officers and code enforcement officers, or their family members. HB 1172 signed March 3 by Gov. Asa Hutchison. Expands the scope of the crime of aggravated assault on a law enforcement or correctional officer and enhances the penalties. SB 20 signed March 3 by Hutchison.
GEORGIA
Increases mandatory minimum prison penalties for assault or battery against public safety officers and for repeat offenses of resisting or obstructing officers. Also imposes new fines, which fund payments to families of officers who die in the line of duty. SB 160 , entitled the “Back the Badge Act of 2017,” signed May 8 by Gov. Nathan Deal.
KANSAS
Creates enhanced penalties for non-drug felonies committed against on-duty law enforcement officers or when the offender knows the victim is a law officer. SB 112 signed May 5 by Gov. Sam Brownback.
KENTUCKY
Adds employment as a peace officer, firefighter and emergency medical services provider to an existing list of qualities such as race, religion and sexual orientation for which enhanced penalties can be pursued for offenses committed as hate crimes. HB 14 signed March 20 by Gov. Matt Bevin.
LOUISIANA
Adds employment as a law enforcement officer, firefighter and emergency medical services provider to an existing list of qualities such as race, age, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation for which enhanced penalties can be pursued for offenses committed as hate crimes. HB 953 signed May 26, 2016, by Gov. John Bel Edwards.
MISSISSIPPI
Creates enhanced penalties for misdemeanor or felony crimes that target people because of their employment as law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians — similar to enhancements already in place for crimes committed for such reasons as race, religion and gender. HB 645 , entitled “The Blue, Red and Med Lives Matter Act,” signed March 24 by Gov. Phil Bryant.
MISSOURI
Adds the crimes of involuntary manslaughter, stalking, property damage and trespassing to those carrying enhanced penalties when committed against law enforcement officers or their family members.
