Medal of Sacrifice Act
Last recorded step: Became Law, May 28, 2026.
Establishes a medal of sacrifice and a commission to honor law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty.
What it does
This law directs the President to issue a medal of sacrifice for federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty. It establishes a commission to design the medal, determine presentation procedures, and investigate eligibility for individuals who may have been subject to an official act of wrongdoing. Generally, the medal is reserved for those who acted within the scope of their duties and in accordance with official policies.
Who is affected
This act affects federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty. It also impacts the President, who is responsible for issuing the medal and appointing members to a newly established commission. The commission members are affected by the requirement to advise on the medal's design, determine presentation methods, and investigate the eligibility of individuals subject to official acts of wrongdoing.
Key provisions
- Establishment of the Medal of Sacrifice. Directs the President to issue a medal of sacrifice to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty.
- Creation of a Medal Commission. Requires the President to establish and appoint members to a commission responsible for advising on the medal's design and determining the presentation process.
- Eligibility Criteria for Recipients. Defines eligible recipients as federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement officers and first responders, provided they were not involved in official acts of wrongdoing.
- Review Process for Disputed Eligibility. Mandates the commission to investigate the circumstances of death and issue a final eligibility determination for officers or first responders initially linked to official acts of wrongdoing.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 3497, Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025· As ordered reported by the House Committee on the Judiciary on December 18, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
Not applicable: Bill establishes wholly new authority with no reference to prior law
Stated purpose
The bill aims to honor law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty by establishing a national medal of sacrifice and a commission to oversee its design, presentation, and eligibility determinations.