S.911 - Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.911, the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025, aims to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The amendment expands the Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits program to include certain retired law enforcement officers who die or become permanently disabled as a direct result of targeted attacks due to their prior service. The bill specifies that the amendments apply retroactively to January 1, 2012, for actions taken against retired officers.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely increase the number of beneficiaries eligible for death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits program. It provides financial support to the families of retired law enforcement officers who are victims of targeted attacks. This could also incentivize more individuals to consider careers in law enforcement, knowing that benefits extend even after retirement.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial assistance to families of retired law enforcement officers killed or disabled in targeted attacks.
- Recognizes the continued risk faced by retired law enforcement officers due to their prior service.
- May improve morale among current and retired law enforcement officers.
- Retroactive applicability ensures that families who have already suffered losses are eligible for benefits.
- Clarifies eligibility criteria for retired officers, reducing potential for disputes.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs to the Bureau of Justice Assistance for administering the expanded benefits program.
- Potential for fraudulent claims or difficulties in verifying the cause of death or disability as directly related to prior service.
- May create disparities between benefits offered to retired law enforcement and other professions.
- Could lead to calls for similar benefits for other retired public servants.
- The definition of 'targeted attack' may be subject to interpretation and legal challenges.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide support to public servants and their families. Specifically, the preamble states the intention to "promote the general Welfare". The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The expansion of benefits is within the purview of Congress to legislate for the general welfare and provide for public safety officers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).