Sponsors (3)
The bill strengthens protections and legal clarity for federal law enforcement against doxxing, but increases criminal exposure for those who publish names and risks chilling investigative reporting and public oversight while adding enforcement costs.
Federal law enforcement officers and their families: reduced risk of doxxing and related threats because publishing officers' identities with intent to obstruct federal investigations or operations can be prosecuted, deterring coordinated campaigns that expose officers.
Federal law enforcement and the Department of Justice: clearer statutory definition of 'Federal law enforcement officer' reduces ambiguity for enforcement and prosecution decisions.
Journalists, activists, and members of the public: increased risk of criminal liability for publishing names if prosecutors allege an intent to 'obstruct' federal operations, exposing publishers to prosecution.
Journalists, advocates, local governments, and the public: chilling effect on lawful speech and transparency about government actions because a broad interpretation of 'intent to obstruct' could deter reporting, oversight, and information-sharing.
Taxpayers and federal budgets: potential for increased prosecutions and associated enforcement, court, and incarceration costs due to the new or expanded criminal penalties.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes it a federal crime to publicly disclose a federal law enforcement officer's name with intent to obstruct a criminal investigation or immigration enforcement, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine.
Introduced June 4, 2025 by Marsha Blackburn · Last progress June 4, 2025
Creates a new federal crime for publicly making a federal law enforcement officer’s name available when done with the intent to obstruct a criminal investigation or an immigration enforcement operation. Defines “federal law enforcement officer” and makes related technical edits to cross-references in the federal criminal code; violation can be punished by a fine, up to 5 years in prison, or both. The bill does not appropriate funds or set new deadlines.