Rep. Malliotakis introduces bill in U.S. House to create safety buffer for federal law enforcement officers

The proposed legislation, authored by U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, aims to enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of federal law enforcement officers by establishing protective buffer zones, according to the U.S. Congress.

H.R.8796 was introduced on May 13, 2026 during the 2026 regular session of the 119th Congress. The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends Title 18 of the United States Code to create a safety buffer zone to protect federal law enforcement officers during their official duties. It establishes a new section prohibiting individuals from approaching or remaining within 15 feet of a federal law enforcement officer after being verbally warned not to do so. The legislation defines harassment and outlines that such conduct must intentionally cause substantial emotional distress without legitimate purpose. Violators of this provision could face penalties including fines and imprisonment for up to five years. The bill is aimed at enhancing the safety and operational effectiveness of federal law enforcement officers.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (Republican-NY-11th District) and co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Ezell (Republican-NY-4th District) and Rep. John J. McGuire (Republican-NY-5th District).

Since the beginning of the current session, Rep. Malliotakis has introduced another 45 bills.

Congressional bills can originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, except for revenue-related measures, which must begin in the House. After introduction, bills are assigned to committees for review, hearings, amendments and debate before they can advance to a vote in each chamber. If both chambers approve identical versions, the legislation is sent to the president, who may sign it into law or veto it. Congress operates in two-year terms, with each term numbered sequentially and divided into two annual sessions. The legislative process and official bill records are maintained by the U.S. Congress and published through Congress.gov.

Nicole Malliotakis is a Representative from New York who has served in the U.S. Congress since January 3, 2021. She was a member of the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2020 and was a staff member for New York Governor George Pataki from 2004 to 2006.

Malliotakis graduated from New Dorp High School in 1998, obtained a B.A. from Seton Hall University in 2001, and earned an M.B.A. from Wagner University in 2010. She was also an aide in U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign from 2015 to 2016 and ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of New York in 2017.

Information in this article was obtained from the U.S. Congress. The source data can be found here.