Senate Schedules Tuesday Vote on PEC 18/2025 to Boost Public Security Measures

The President of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, has set the vote for the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) 18/2025 on Tuesday, November 3, at 4 PM. This amendment, aimed at reforming Brazil’s public security framework, was approved by the Committee on Constitution and Justice (CCJ) on October 14 and received expedited processing, allowing it to bypass the usual lengthy legislative stages.

PEC 18/2025, promoted by the Executive Branch, seeks to enhance integration among public security agencies and reorganize the system by defining new responsibilities across federal entities. The amendment also introduces additional funding measures, including constitutional incorporation of the Unified Public Security System (Susp) and allocation of 10% of the surplus from the Sovereign Fund of Pre-Salt to public security.

Significantly, PEC 18/2025 establishes a tougher penal regime targeting leaders and members of criminal factions, paramilitary groups, and militias. Under the proposal, these individuals would face mandatory imprisonment in maximum security prisons, with stricter conditions on regime progression and asset confiscation related to criminal activities without compensation. The amendment also promotes legal accountability for entities involved in crimes and protection for whistleblowers and their families.

Several amendments are under consideration ahead of Tuesday’s vote, including proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility. Senator Camilo Santana suggests reducing it from 18 to 16 for heinous crimes, while Senator Rogério Marinho proposes lowering it to 16 generally and to 14 for severe offenses such as torture, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

Other proposed amendments include allocating resources from the National Public Security Fund to the Armed Forces for civil defense and law enforcement operations, as well as recognizing traffic agents within constitutional public security agencies.

In addition to PEC 18/2025, the Senate agenda features voting on international cooperation agreements with Guyana and Venezuela, legislative initiatives to promote cancer awareness, and programs encouraging positive parenting.

The scheduled vote represents a major legislative step toward strengthening Brazil's public security capabilities and tackling organized crime through coordinated efforts and legal reforms.