# Brazilian Senate Passes Security Reform Amidst Age of Criminal Responsibility Debate The Senate approved a major public security amendment while separating contentious juvenile sentencing proposals. - **Source:** [Poder360](https://www.poder360.com.br) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/147eaf71-55ee-4a0e-a846-185e66dc7539 ## Security Reform Approval The Brazilian Senate officially approved PEC 18/2025, known as the Public Security Amendment, on November 3, 2026. The proposal passed with strong support, securing 73 votes in the first round and 75 in the second. This constitutional change aims to integrate security agencies and strengthen efforts against organized criminal groups. ## Legislative Procedural Conflict During the plenary sessions, the reduction of the age of criminal responsibility emerged as a major point of contention. Although not part of the original text, two amendments attempted to include it. The rapporteur classified these as extraneous, or a jabuti, and successfully pushed for them to be handled separately. ## Remote Voting Controversy Senator Flávio Bolsonaro participated in the vote remotely from the United States, marking his first legislative action since leaving Brazil on October 27. His participation utilized the Senate Digital application, a system implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This remote access remains a subject of scrutiny given his current legal status. ## Divergent Voting Patterns While Flávio Bolsonaro voted in favor of the main security PEC, he diverged from the majority regarding the separation of the age reduction amendments. The motion to detach these proposals passed with a narrow margin of 38 to 36 votes, ensuring they proceed as independent legislative items rather than integrated reforms. ## Remote Participation Mechanics The remote deliberation system requires parliamentarians to use devices pre-authorized for their exclusive use. Access is restricted via personal credentials, and the application captures images of the politician to verify identity. While typically requiring physical presence, exceptions for special sessions or plenary approval allowed for this specific remote legislative participation. ## Legal and Political Context Flávio Bolsonaro currently faces two investigations at the Supreme Federal Court involving money laundering allegations and financial requests for a film project. His departure from Brazil reportedly violated a Federal Police order prohibiting him from leaving the country. He will lose his parliamentary immunity in 2027 after twenty-four years of service. ## Future Legislative Outlook Following the separation of the amendments, the Senate scheduled further discussions on the reduction of the age of criminal responsibility for November 4. The political landscape remains complex, as parties like the PT and PL are currently negotiating a common text to address this specific, highly sensitive constitutional change. ## Structural Security Impact The enacted PEC 18/2025 establishes a Unified Public Security System, mandating deeper cooperation between federal, state, and municipal authorities. By focusing on the investigation and punishment of organized crime, the reform seeks to standardize national security protocols. The long-term efficacy of this integration depends on the subsequent implementation of these measures. ## Sources covering this story - [Poder360 — Brazilian Senate Debates Penal Majority Reduction Amid Security Reforms](https://www.poder360.com.br/poder-videos/ao-vivo-senado-discute-maioridade-penal-nesta-4a-feira/) - [Estadão — Flávio Bolsonaro Casts Remote Senate Vote From United States](https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/entenda-como-flavio-participou-de-votacao-no-senado-mesmo-apos-fugir-para-os-eua-nprp/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._