Legislation Is Coming in Strong; Can Republicans Save Policing?; COPLINE Volunteers

And the need for intense focus

We’re off to a solid start in 2025. Bills aimed at supporting police officers and advancing public safety are rapidly making their way through federal and state legislative pipelines.

In fact, the pace can be described as frenetic.

With an incoming change in the balance of power at the federal level and just two years (perhaps less) to get meaningful legislation passed, there’s a sense of urgency in the air. A seasoned Hill staffer I spoke with just this morning told me this is the busiest he’s ever been.

Focus and self-discipline will be key in the coming months.

With that, here are a few new bills I’m researching, watching, and / or lobbying for.

Two federal bills recently re-introduced

The POLICE Act (H.R. 31)

The Protect Our Law enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act, was recently re-introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-2). The bill amends current immigration law by providing prosecutors and judges with clearer language, leaving little doubt that harming a law enforcement officer must result in deportation.

Read more about the POLICE Act here. Then please ask your member of Congress to co-sponsor it.

The Thin Blue Line Act ( S. 83 / H. ?)

Earlier this week, Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) re-introduced the Thin Blue Line Act, stipulating that the killing or attempted killing of a state or local officer can be an aggravating factor in death penalty sentencing.

Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16) has introduced a companion bill in the House, but as of this writing it hasn’t been assigned a number yet.

I’ve made contact with both Sen. Cruz’s and Rep Buchanan’s offices to gain more intel and will have more information and a call for action.

In state legislatures

Dozens of pro-police and -public safety bills have already been introduced in state legislatures across the country. Most of the bills I’m seeing thus far are focused on these topics:

• Increasing penalties for assaulting an officer;

• Providing penalties for menacing an officer;

• Providing more comprehensive mental health services for officers;

• School safety;

• Preserving due process rights for officers. Last week I spoke with a state senator from Utah (who’s also a police chief) about a bill he introduced to ensure officers receive their due process rights via Brady / Giglio lists. Inclusion on these lists is often arbitrary.

• Providing veterinary care for retired police animals;

• Amending penalties for assaulting a police animal;

• Amending penalties for providing false reports;

• Officer safety; for example, penalizing the failure to alert an officer about being in possession of a concealed weapon.

The fight is still far from over, though

We should indeed be heartened by the number of high quality bills being introduced at both the federal and state levels, and in knowing that they stand a better chance of passage.

That said, I’m also seeing newly-introduced bills designed to micromanage how police officers perform their work. Two examples from the New York state legislature.

SB 1070 would create a state civilian complaint review board to investigate alleged misconduct by police officers.

A00310 would largely prohibit pretextual traffic stops; these are where officers stop drivers for things like expired registration and broken tail lights. The intent of the bill is to minimize interactions between law enforcement and drivers.

At the federal level, there are attempts to preserve Consent Decrees.

Can Republicans Save Policing?

Earlier this month, the DC Journal published my op-ed, Can Republicans Save Policing? It has since been picked up by several newspapers across the country.

An excerpt:

“The momentum is on the side of law and order heading into 2025 . . .

“Will these Republicans keep their campaign promises, or will we witness a repeat of last session’s weak performance? While Democratic policies have contributed to the degradation of public safety and the demoralization of law enforcement, the Republican response has been dismal.”

That all said, I’m trying to solve problems here and get bills passed, not to be a cheerleader for any political party. I will eagerly work with any elected official who in good faith, wants to support police officers and advance public safety, regardless of their political affiliation.

Retired Cops Wanted

The organization COPLINE operates a 24 / 7 hotline which they make available to officers in their time of need. And they’re calling for volunteers!

To qualify as a COPLINE volunteer, you should be a retired sworn officer with at least 10 years of full-time service, in good standing. They have training scheduled in May.

COPLINE asked me to share this with my readers. If you’re a legitimate nonprofit police organization, I will gladly post your message here (my site is revenue free.) Just ask.

The Need to Focus

The next few months will require intense focus. With a relatively small window in which to get bills passed, there’s little-to-no time for distractions.

Between constant Breaking news! pieces, pettiness from others, self-doubt that can creep in, and other forms of negativity and high drama, it’s not always an easy feat, though, is it?

It’s why this video by Pastor Corey Brooks is one of the places I’ll be turning to whenever I need a reminder to ignore the distractions.

Aside from serving as senior pastor at a Chicago church, Corey Brooks is also CEO of Project Helping Others Obtain Destiny (HOOD), an organization that works to break the cycle of crime and poverty. His group is even busy at work building a community center for the underprivileged.

I’m guessing that along with his faith in God, his attitude has helped catapult him to where he is today.

Pastor Brooks embraces a victor over victim mindset.

He doesn’t seem to let other people’s negativity affect his outlook or determine how he feels about himself.

This is the kind of messaging I think a lot of us can use. Highly recommended watching if you’re looking for inspiration, even if you’re not a person of faith.

As always, I wish you the very best and value your support. : )

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For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.