Establishing a "Bill of Rights" to support United States law enforcement personnel nationwide in their work to protect our communities.

Summary of HRES 395 — Establishing a “Bill of Rights” to Support Law Enforcement Personnel

Overview

HRES 395 is a House Resolution submitted in the 118th Congress on May 7, 2025. It is a non-binding, symbolic measure (a resolution) that expresses support for United States law enforcement personnel and outlines officials’ stance on policing-related issues. The bill was introduced by Representative Andrew R. Garbarino as the primary sponsor, with several cosponsors. It has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Purpose and Intent

• To publicly recognize and affirm the work of law enforcement agencies and officers in protecting communities.
• To condemn or reject calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.
• To encourage constructive dialogue between law enforcement and the communities they serve, involving all stakeholders to improve public safety.
• To affirm the rights and protections of police officers to carry out their duties with integrity and to have essential protections during investigations.

Key Provisions (What the Bill Says)

The introduced language sets forth four main statements:

1. Recognition and appreciation for law enforcement agencies and officers’ tireless efforts to keep communities safe.
2. Condemnation of efforts to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.
3. Encouragement of ongoing dialogue between law enforcement and their communities to enhance public safety, with involvement from all societal stakeholders.
4. Respect for the rights of police officers to perform their duties with integrity and to have essential protections during investigations.

Who is Affected

• Primary beneficiaries: law enforcement personnel and agencies nationwide.
• Communities and the public, which would be the subject of encouraged dialogue and engagement.
• The bill signals a policy stance for lawmakers and law enforcement supporters, though it does not directly alter law or funding.

Legislative History and Status

• Introduced: May 7, 2025.
• Classification: Resolution (non-binding).
• Referred to Committee: House Committee on the Judiciary (same day as introduction).
• Sponsors:
  • Primary: Andrew R. Garbarino
  • Cosponsors: Michael Lawler, Claudia Tenney, Nick LaLota, Pete Stauber, Mario Diaz-Balart, Nicholas A. Langworthy, Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Nicole Malliotakis, Elise M. Stefanik

Potential Impact and Considerations

• Legal effect: As a non-binding resolution, HRES 395 does not create or modify law or funding; it serves as a statement of sentiment and policy position.
• Political and public discourse: The resolution may be cited to emphasize support for law enforcement in debates, press materials, or subsequent legislative proposals.
• Influence on policy debates: By condemning calls to defund and promoting dialogue, the resolution could shape framing around policing-related policy discussions and set a tone for related legislative initiatives.
• Implementation: Any substantive changes would depend on future legislation or administrative actions; this resolution itself does not authorize new programs or funding.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with similar prior resolutions or draft a plain-language one-page briefing for constituents.