In a NAPO victory, the House passed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act (H.R. 27) by a vote of 312-108 on Feb. 6. This NAPO priority bill would make permanent the current classwide scheduling of all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule 1 drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, giving law enforcement the tools and resources to combat and deter fentanyl in our nation’s communities.
The Senate confirmed Kash Patel as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by a vote of 51-49 on Feb. 20. NAPO supported Mr. Patel’s nomination as we believe his distinguished career in public service gives him a unique perspective that will only benefit him as FBI Director. From being a public defender to a federal prosecutor to his extensive experience in the realm of counterintelligence, he intimately understands the various aspects of the FBI’s broad mission to keep our nation safe.
The Senate passed the NAPO-backed TAKE IT DOWN Act by voice vote on Feb. 13. This bill would establish federal liability for those who generate and distribute deepfake intimate and explicit images, giving law enforcement
needed tools to bring justice to victims of these crimes. NAPO also again endorsed the SHIELD Act (S. 516) which would narrowly establish federal criminal liability for individuals who share private, explicit images without consent.
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) reintroduced the LEOSA Reform Act, which would address specific issues that well-qualified active and retired law enforcement officers face when exercising their right to lawfully protect themselves and others. This top NAPO priority bill would expand the areas qualified current or retired officers are allowed to carry a firearm, including on a Gun Free School Zone; on state, local and private property otherwise open to the public; and in certain federal facilities, amongst other provisions.
Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) is reintroducing NAPO priority legislation, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, which would guarantee that law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service workers in all 50 states have the right to discuss workplace issues with their employers. It provides a framework for discussions, while respecting the right and flexibility of states to write their own laws for public sector workers. It will not overturn current collective bargaining laws – it will only provide basic collective bargaining rights to those who currently do not have them.
NAPO continues to support the First Responders Wellness Act, which was reintroduced by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Josh Hawley (R-MO). NAPO worked with Senator Gillibrand’s staff developing this bill, which will help ensure state and local law enforcement have access to culturally competent mental health and wellness services for them and their families. The First Responders Wellness Act establishes a national First Responders Mental Health Hotline to bridge the gap between existing regional hotlines dedicated to first responders.
Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) reintroduced the Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act. The STOIC Act provides essential grant funding for law enforcement support services, including the establishment of suicide-prevention programs and mental health services and supports for law enforcement officers and their families.
NAPO supported the Coalition to Close the De Minimis Loophole and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) in a Feb. 11 press conference calling on President Trump to use his executive authority to immediately close the de minimis loophole for all commercial packages coming from any country to the United States. NAPO also signed on to a Coalition letter to the President, following up on our Jan. 13 letter, with this request.
NAPO once again pledged strong support for the Public Safety Free Speech Act (H.R. 1443), which would protect the First Amendment rights of public safety officers, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel. It would guarantee public safety officers will not be disciplined for making oral or written statements while off-duty about their personal opinions on job-related issues, including, but not limited to staffing, wages, and working conditions, as well as political and religious opinions.
The House passed H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, 264-155 on Feb. 13. This bill would establish a federal criminal penalty for those who intentionally evade Border Patrol agents or law enforcement officers assisting Border Patrol while operating a motor vehicle, with escalating penalties when evasion results in serious bodily injury or death. It would also make illegal immigrants who flee Border Patrol in a motor vehicle inadmissible to and removable from the country.
Click here for complete details in the Feb. 21, 2025 Washington Report.
