# Legislative impasse in Brazil over Public Security PEC

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-debates-on-youth-criminal-responsibility
> Updated: 2026-10-14T20:29:24.000Z. Sources: 115. Developments: 2.

The legislative process for the Public Security Constitutional Amendment (PEC 18/2025) in Brazil has reached an impasse. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre removed the proposal from the voting agenda on October 15 to avoid a ‘hasty discussion’ and to allow senators to reach a consensus on controversial amendments. This move aims to prevent significant changes that would force the text back to the Chamber of Deputies for new analysis.

The primary point of contention remains the reduction of the criminal age. Opposition leader Senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN) has pushed to reduce the age to 16 for most crimes and 14 for heinous crimes, such as drug trafficking and terrorism. Conversely, Senator Camilo Santana (PT-CE) proposed a moderate amendment to reduce the age to 16 specifically for heinous crimes.

High-level government officials have expressed varying stances on the issue. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin expressed support for reducing the age to 16 for serious crimes like homicide and robbery. President Lula stated he supports a reduction to 16 for heinous crimes but argued that such a change should not be part of this specific PEC.

The underlying PEC remains a priority for the Lula administration. It seeks to constitutionalize the Unified Public Security System (SUSP), strengthen the Federal Police, and potentially allow for municipal police forces. If approved, the measure could lead to the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Public Security and include stricter measures to combat organized crime, militias, and criminal factions.

## Claims

- Senate President Davi Alcolumbre removed the Public Security PEC from the agenda to allow for further consensus among senators. (disputed by 15 sources)
- The Senate approved a special calendar to accelerate the voting of the Public Security PEC. (disputed by 6 sources)
- Senator Camilo Santana proposed an amendment to reduce the criminal age to 16 for heinous crimes only. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Senator Rogério Marinho proposed an amendment to reduce the criminal age to 16 for common crimes and 14 for heinous crimes. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- President Lula expressed support for reducing the criminal age to 16 for heinous crimes. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The Public Security PEC was scheduled for a vote in the Senate on Thursday, October 15. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- President Lula promised to create a Ministry of Public Security if the PEC is approved. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The PEC aims to include the Unified Public Security System (SUSP) in the Constitution. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The proposal establishes stricter prison regimes for leaders of criminal factions and militias. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Brazil Senate delays Public Security PEC over criminal age debate

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre removed the Public Security PEC from the agenda to resolve disputes over amendments, including controversial proposals to reduce the criminal age for heinous crimes.

113 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/geraldo-alckmin-supports-lowering-criminal-age-for-serious-crimes

### 2026-09-20: Australia youth justice reform: Calls to raise criminal responsibility age to 14

Catholic Social Services Australia and a Senate inquiry are calling for urgent reforms to Australia’s youth justice system, including raising the criminal responsibility age to 14.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-youth-justice-reform-calls-to-raise-criminal-responsibility-age-to-14

---
Cite as: Legislative impasse in Brazil over Public Security PEC. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-debates-on-youth-criminal-responsibility