S 3804: The Under Color of Law Accountability Act

Summary

The Under Color of Law Accountability Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate in February 2026. The main purpose of the bill is to hold police officers and other law enforcement officials accountable for using excessive force, theft, and obstruction of justice while acting under the "color of law" (i.e. abusing their official authority).

Key Provisions

The bill would amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code to create new criminal offenses, including:

1. Prohibiting Excessive Force: It would be unlawful for a person acting under color of law to intentionally use force that they know or disregard as being excessive, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. More severe penalties apply for offenses involving kidnapping, attempted murder, or death.

2. Prohibiting Theft: It would be unlawful for a person acting under color of law to knowingly convert money, personal property, controlled substances, or contraband to their own personal use, punishable by up to 10 years in prison for thefts over $1,000.

3. Prohibiting Obstruction: It would be unlawful for a person acting under color of law to knowingly obstruct justice, also punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

4. Failure to Intervene: Any officer who has the duty and ability to intervene and stop another officer's use of excessive force, but deliberately chooses not to, would be subject to the same penalties as if they had committed the excessive force themselves.

Impact and Affected Parties

The bill is intended to increase accountability and deter misconduct by police officers and other law enforcement officials acting under the authority of the government. It would apply to any person acting "under color of law," which could include federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as corrections officers and other government agents abusing their power.

The bill provides new legal mechanisms for prosecuting and punishing law enforcement who engage in prohibited activities, which could have a significant impact on curbing police brutality, theft, and obstruction of justice. This could benefit the general public, especially marginalized communities disproportionately affected by such misconduct.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 9, 2026 and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for consideration. No further legislative action is specified in the text provided. The bill would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law by the President to take effect.