Politics · Brazil · 1 hr ago
Brazil’s Senate approves constitutional public security amendment
Brazil’s Senate approved a constitutional public security amendment in two votes.
It passed with 73 votes in the first round and 75 in the second, with no votes against.
The amendment adds the Unified Public Security System, which already exists in law, to the Constitution and sets out cooperation among federal, state and local authorities.
It includes sharing information and forming joint task forces, and gives the Federal Highway Police a wider role on federal railways and waterways.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed the vote and said he intends to create a Ministry of Public Security focused on intelligence, planning and cooperation to tackle criminal groups and militias.
The amendment now goes to promulgation, while proposals to lower the age of criminal responsibility will be considered separately.
Brazil’s Senate approved a constitutional public security amendment in two rounds on November 3.
The amendment strengthens federal coordination of public security and places the Unified Public Security System in the Constitution.
It provides for tougher rules for criminal factions and militias, and changes to public security funding.
Senators left out a proposed reduction in the age of criminal responsibility, which is currently 18.
The Brazilian Public Security Forum said the amendment was a positive step but would not, by itself, resolve structural problems.
- Who
- Brazil’s Senate approved the amendment. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva proposed it.
- What
- A constitutional amendment on public security was approved. It strengthens coordination and includes tougher measures against criminal factions and militias.
- When
- November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Brazil.
- Why
- The amendment aims to improve coordination among levels of government and strengthen the response to crime.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The government sent the amendment to Congress.
The Chamber of Deputies approved the amendment.
The Senate approved the amendment in two rounds, without including a reduction in the age of criminal responsibility.
Lula congratulated the Senate and again spoke of creating a Ministry of Public Security.
- Senate approval
- November 3, 2026, in two rounds
- Age of criminal responsibility
- Remains 18; proposed reduction was left out
- Public security system
- The amendment places the Unified Public Security System in the Constitution
- Funding
- 50% of the National Public Security Fund and National Penitentiary Fund amounts are to be transferred to states and municipalities
- Criminal group penalties
- Leaders may face tougher sentences and imprisonment in maximum-security facilities
8 sources
El Senado de Brasil aprueba la reforma de seguridad constitucional impulsada por Lula
Motta diz que aprovação da PEC da Segurança fecha cerco a facções
PEC da Segurança é aprovada, mas não resolve gargalos, diz Fórum
Lula parabeniza Senado pela aprovação da PEC e volta a falar em criação do Ministério da Segurança
PEC da Segurança Pública: entenda o que muda após a aprovação no Senado
What people are saying
The Brazilian people have the right to work, return home and live in peace. Ensuring that right is a commitment of the Government of Brazil
the approval of the PEC represents a positive sign that public security has come to be treated as a national priority