WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) helped reintroduce legislation to enhance federal punishments for crimes against first responders. H.R. 130, which passed the House with bipartisan support during the 115th Congress, provides local and state law enforcement officers the same protection and support currently provided to federal officers—acting as a deterrent to anyone looking to harm an officer.

“Law enforcement officers in Utah and across the nation pay untold sacrifices to protect and serve our communities,” said Rep. Owens. “The recent surge in attacks on our police officers is unacceptable, and we need to hold these criminals accountable for their heinous crimes. I am proud to support the Thin Blue Line Act to ensure criminals who target local, state, or national police face justice in the court of law.”

The full text of the legislation is available here.