No Settlements for January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulters Act
Summary
The "No Settlements for January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulters Act" aims to prevent federal funds from being used to pay legal settlements to individuals convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. The bill specifically targets those convicted of offenses involving assaulting a law enforcement officer during the events at or near the Capitol on that date. It restricts the use of federal funds, including the Judgment Fund, for settlements related to harm allegedly suffered during the Capitol breach or from prosecution related to those events.
The bill defines "covered individual" as someone convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer, referencing specific sections of the US Code and the District of Columbia Official Code. This definition clarifies the scope of individuals to whom the settlement restrictions would apply. The proposed legislation is intended to ensure that taxpayer money is not used to compensate individuals who have been convicted of assaulting law enforcement during the January 6th events.
Introduced in the Senate, the bill reflects a legislative effort to address the aftermath of the Capitol breach by limiting financial compensation to those convicted of related crimes.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to prohibit the use of federal funds for legal settlements to individuals convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6th Capitol breach. This would prevent such individuals from receiving compensation from the government for alleged harm suffered during the events or from prosecution related to those events.
This could lead to fewer legal claims being filed by covered individuals, as the potential for financial settlement would be removed. It may also impact ongoing or future legal proceedings involving these individuals, as the government's ability to settle claims would be restricted.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces the financial burden on taxpayers by preventing the use of federal funds for settlements to individuals convicted of assaulting law enforcement.
- May deter future assaults on law enforcement by sending a message that such actions will not be financially rewarded.
- Could reinforce the principle that individuals who break the law should be held accountable for their actions.
- May increase public trust in the government by ensuring that taxpayer money is not used in ways that are perceived as unjust.
- Could provide a sense of justice for law enforcement officers who were victims of assault during the Capitol breach.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be viewed as punitive and potentially undermine the principle of due process, as it restricts access to legal settlements based on a conviction.
- May lead to protracted and costly legal battles, as individuals may be more likely to pursue litigation if settlement options are limited.
- Could disproportionately affect individuals who may have legitimate claims of harm suffered during the events, regardless of their conviction.
- May create a perception of unfairness if similarly situated individuals who were not convicted are able to receive legal settlements.
- Could be challenged in court as a violation of equal protection or other constitutional rights.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is subject to debate. While Congress has the power to control the appropriation of funds (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7), the bill could be challenged as violating due process or equal protection under the Fifth Amendment.
The Fifth Amendment states that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. The bill could be argued to violate this by restricting access to legal settlements based on a conviction, potentially before all legal avenues have been exhausted.
However, the government could argue that it has a legitimate interest in preventing the use of taxpayer funds to compensate individuals who have been convicted of assaulting law enforcement 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).