Zapata & Avila Protection Act (S. 921)

Summary

Makes it clear that U.S. laws protecting federal workers from assault or murder also apply when they are serving in other countries.

What problem does this solve?

A court ruling created confusion by suggesting that U.S. laws protecting federal officers might not apply when they are attacked in other countries. This law clarifies that protections against assaulting or killing federal officers extend to them even when they are serving outside the United States.

What does this law do?

Extends protections against murder or manslaughter

Adds a clause to section 1114 of title 18, U.S. Code, to confirm that the law against killing federal officers applies outside the United States. This was the central issue from the court case that led to this act.

Extends protections against assault

Adds a clause to section 111 of title 18, U.S. Code, to confirm that the law against assaulting federal officers applies outside the United States.

Extends protections against threats

Adds a clause to section 115 of title 18, U.S. Code, to confirm that the law against threatening federal officers or their families applies outside the United States.

Clarifies congressional intent

States that Congress always intended for these protections to apply to federal employees serving overseas, resolving a disagreement among federal courts.

Who does this affect?

Federal officers and employees serving internationally
U.S. law enforcement agencies with overseas operations

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures protection for federal workers abroad

Responds to a court ruling that created uncertainty about whether U.S. laws against attacking federal officers apply outside the country. This law confirms that these protections follow employees wherever they serve.

When does this start?

This law takes effect immediately as of November 18, 2021.