Federal bill would require police to announce themselves before forced entry

What does this do?

Senate bill S 3414, named after Breonna Taylor, would ban no-knock warrants and require any federal law enforcement officer to identify themselves and state their purpose before forcing entry into a property. States and local agencies that receive Department of Justice funding would face the same requirement. Agencies that continue using no-knock warrants could lose that federal funding.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that carry out search warrants or receive DOJ funding. Residents in their homes would also be affected, as they would be guaranteed a verbal announcement before police force entry.

Why does it matter?

No-knock warrant policies currently vary widely from state to state, meaning the practical impact of this bill would differ depending on where someone lives. The bill was named after Breonna Taylor, who was killed during a no-knock police raid in Louisville, Kentucky in 2020.

What does it cost, and who pays?

State and local law enforcement agencies that receive Department of Justice funding could lose that funding if they continue to use no-knock warrants.

Where does it stand?