Across the country, police officers continue to face rising violence, increasing legal risks, and mounting operational challenges. Yet every day, these men and women put on the uniform and stand between our communities and chaos.

That is why the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC) is actively supporting critical legislation in the 119th Congress that strengthens officer protections, improves safety, supports law enforcement families, and ensures departments have the resources they need.

These are the Top 12 Law Enforcement-focused Bills PODC is tracking and advocating for in 2026:

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1. Qualified Immunity Act (H.R. 503 / S.122)

This legislation would codify the doctrine of qualified immunity into federal law, ensuring that officers acting in good faith while performing their duties are protected from frivolous civil lawsuits. Qualified immunity shields government officials from personal liability unless they violate clearly established constitutional rights.

In recent years, activists have attempted to dismantle this protection. The Qualified Immunity Act ensures officers can perform their duties without fear of politically motivated litigation.

2. School Resource Officer Support Act (H.R. 6120 / S.3189)

The School Resource Officer Support (SROS) Act strengthens protections and support for school resource officers serving on the front lines of school safety. This legislation recognizes the critical role SROs play in preventing school violence and building positive relationships between law enforcement and students.

3. HELPER Act of 2025 (H.R. 209 / S.9784)

The Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act provides homeownership assistance to law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, and other first responders. The bill creates a zero-down mortgage program designed to help officers purchase homes in the communities they serve.

Supporting officer stability and recruitment is essential for maintaining strong police departments nationwide.

4. Marc Fischer Memorial Act / BOP SCAN Mail Act (H.R. 1046 / S.1295)

This legislation improves safety for corrections officers by screening inmate mail for dangerous substances such as fentanyl and other narcotics before it reaches correctional facilities.

Across the country, correctional officers have faced increasing exposure to deadly substances through inmate correspondence. This bill provides a vital safeguard.

5. Fuel the Force Act (H.R. 7210)

Rising fuel costs impact every aspect of policing—from patrol operations to emergency response. The Fuel the Force Act helps law enforcement agencies manage operational costs and maintain patrol capabilities despite volatile fuel prices. 

The first $100,000 of ordinary income earned by any full-time law enforcement officer in a taxable year will be federally tax exempt, provided the officer has an aggregate of at least five years of service. This bill ensures departments can continue protecting communities without budget shortfalls limiting response capacity.

6. Thin Blue Line Act (H.R. 378 / S.83)

The Thin Blue Line Act strengthens federal penalties for criminals who murder or attempt to murder law enforcement officers. Specifically, the bill adds the killing of a law enforcement officer as an aggravating factor in federal death penalty cases, reinforcing the seriousness of attacks against officers.

Violence against police is rising, and this legislation sends a clear message: targeting officers will carry severe consequences.

7. Protect and Serve Act (H.R. 1551 / S.167)

The Protect and Serve Act establishes federal criminal penalties for individuals who intentionally target law enforcement officers because of their status. Under the legislation, individuals who attack officers could face up to 10 years in prison—or life imprisonment if the attack results in death or kidnapping.

The bill ensures that attacks on police are treated as the serious federal crimes they are.

8. National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act (H.R. 309)

This legislation expands federal programs that honor fallen officers and support the families they leave behind. The bill strengthens memorial and outreach efforts that help ensure the sacrifices of fallen officers are never forgotten.

9. Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act (H.R. 3832)

Named after fallen Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, this legislation provides additional federal support for the families of officers killed in the line of duty.

The bill recognizes that when an officer makes the ultimate sacrifice, their family should never face the aftermath alone.

10. Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2025 (H.R. 2654)

Officer safety depends on access to modern protective equipment. This bill expands funding and support for lifesaving equipment such as: Body armor, Ballistic shields, Medical trauma kits, and Rescue and response equipment. 

Ensuring officers have the right gear saves lives—both for police and the communities they protect.

11. LEOSA Reform Act (S.679)

Modernizes and strengthens the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, improving nationwide concealed carry rights for qualified active and retired law enforcement officers.

(House Companion Bill H.R. 2094 has already passed)

12. Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act (S.1418)

Enhances federal data collection on officer injuries, assaults, and fatalities to better inform policies that improve officer safety, training, and wellness.

(House Companion Bill H.R. 2240 has already passed)

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The men and women of law enforcement deserve leaders in Washington who will stand with them—not against them. Police Officers’ Defense Coalition is working every day on Capitol Hill to advocate for policies that:

• Protect officers from targeted violence
• Support law enforcement, families
• Improve officer safety
• Ensure departments have the tools and resources they need

These bills represent a critical step toward restoring respect, safety, and support for those who protect our communities. Congress must act: Contact your Representatives today and urge them to pass these bills! 

The Police Officers’ Defense Coalition was formed to advocate for police officers, public safety officers, sheriffs, and those representing the law enforcement community to fight against the “War on Cops.” For more information, visit https://policeofficersdefensecoalition.com/