Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act

The Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act would tighten the boundaries on when the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal law enforcement personnel can support civilian law enforcement inside the United States, add a prohibition on simultaneous DoD and civilian law enforcement duties, expand the role requirements when assisting civilian authorities, and create a private right of action to enforce the act. Key features include: a new Section 274a that limits DoD support to six clearly defined domestic emergencies with a president’s written justification to Congress; an automatic 14-day cap on such support unless Congress approves a longer period via a joint resolution; a new prohibition on DoD personnel serving in civilian law enforcement while serving in DoD (with narrowly drawn exceptions for certain reserve members and an active-duty recusal); an expanded framework for how DoD/Federal personnel must be used when assisting civilian authorities; and a private right of action allowing individuals or local/state governments to sue for violations, with potential injunctive relief and damages. The bill’s sponsors are listed as Senators Duckworth, Hirono, and Durbin, and it was introduced in the 119th Congress.