COPS Act

This bill raises the penalties for hurting or interfering with certain federal officers or employees. It focuses on tougher punishment, including bigger fines and longer prison time, especially in serious cases. The title signals concern about explosive materials being used against officers, and the text increases penalties in the law that covers assaulting, resisting, or impeding these officials.

Key points

• Who is affected: People who assault, resist, or interfere with certain federal officers or employees; and the officers and agencies they serve.
• What changes: Maximum prison terms go up (for example, from 1 year to 2 years for the basic offense, from 8 years to 10 years for more serious cases, and from 20 years to 25 years for the most serious cases). Fines increase, including up to $500,000 in aggravated cases under the law’s subsection (b).
• Why it matters: The bill aims to deter violent attacks, including those involving dangerous methods, by making the consequences tougher.