Protecting Our Protesters Act of 2021
This bill modifies the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits deprivation of rights under color of law.
Current law prohibits the deprivation of federally protected rights, privileges, or immunities by a government official (including a law enforcement officer).
This bill specifies that use of force during a response to a protest constitutes a deprivation of rights, privileges, or immunities.
Additionally, the bill removes the death penalty as a penalty option if death results or if certain aggravating factors are present.