HR-2172 : Still Just a Bill


Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2021

This bill establishes a framework to prohibit law enforcement officers at the federal, state, and local levels from engaging in sexual acts with individuals who are in custody.

At the federal level, the bill makes it unlawful for a federal law enforcement officer who is acting under color of law to engage in a sexual act with an individual who is under arrest, in detention, or in custody. Consent is not a defense to prosecution for unlawful conduct. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 15 years, or both.

At the state and local level, the bill conditions eligibility for funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services program on the enactment of a similar law.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2021-10-19CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.House committee actions
2021-03-23IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
2021-03-23IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Crime and Law Enforcement
Related Subjects
  • Congressional oversight
  • Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
  • Criminal justice information and records
  • Detention of persons
  • Government information and archives
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Law enforcement administration and funding
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Sex offenses
  • State and local government operations
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations

Related Bills

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