Brazil's Chamber of Deputies is set to vote on Wednesday (March 4) on the Public Security PEC, but faces government resistance to including the reduction of the age of criminal majority to 16 years. Relator Mendonça Filho proposes a 2028 plebiscite on the issue, dividing the allied base and opposition. The Lula government opposes the measure, prioritizing focus on organizing the security system.
The Public Security Constitutional Amendment Bill (PEC), authored by the Executive, is scheduled for a vote in the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday (March 4, 2026), as announced by House President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB). However, the text faces strong resistance from government allies, particularly regarding the inclusion of reducing the age of criminal majority from 18 to 16 years for violent crimes, advocated by relator Mendonça Filho (União Brasil-PE).
Mendonça Filho included in the report a 2028 plebiscite for the public to decide on the reduction, without initial government approval. The PT leader in the Chamber, Pedro Uczai (SC), suggested alternatives, such as discussing the issue in other PECs or via plebiscite, but stressed it is not the main focus of the proposal, which aims to organize the Unified Public Security System and define responsibilities among the Union, states, and municipalities.
The Lula government, through the Ministry of Human Rights, stated that the reduction is unconstitutional, ineffective against violence, and incompatible with international commitments. Minister Gleisi Hoffmann (Institutional Relations) appealed for congressional collaboration, stating: "I hope that Congress, the Chamber, will collaborate. We sent a proposal to organize the country's Unified Public Security System. This is very important [...] And we are also sending a security financing proposal. So, I hope this does not become just a political and electoral clash."
The allied base is divided: União Brasil supports the plebiscite, with leader Pedro Lucas (MA) saying: "It's a theme we need to address. If necessary, we'll decide by vote." The MDB, through leader Isnaldo Bulhões (AL), prefers handling it in a separate bill. The opposition and bullet bench demand expansion to all crimes, plus a salary floor for security professionals and income tax exemption for police earning up to R$ 10,000.
Hugo Motta seeks consensus to ease approval, which requires 308 votes. The special commission, chaired by Aluisio Mendes (Republicanos-MA), scheduled an extra session for Thursday (5), signaling prolonged discussions. Government allies rule out voting against or requesting a review, but may informally postpone the analysis to avoid political wear. The debate gained traction from recent cases, such as the death of dog Orelha in Florianópolis (SC) on January 4 and a gang rape in Copacabana (RJ), involving youths, including a 17-year-old. A 2019 Datafolha poll showed 84% favoring the reduction.
