VICTIM Act of 2026

Key Points

• The VICTIM Act creates a new federal grant program to help state, Tribal, and local law enforcement agencies solve more murders and gun-related violent crimes. The program would be housed within the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services under the Department of Justice.
• The bill authorizes $60 million per year for five years (fiscal years 2027 through 2031), totaling $300 million. At least 5 percent of funds each year must go to Tribal law enforcement and another 5 percent to rural agencies.
• Grant money can be used to hire detectives and forensic staff, buy or upgrade investigative technology, train officers in trauma-informed interview techniques, and develop policies to protect civil rights during evidence collection.
• The bill also funds direct victim support, including emergency food, housing, clothing, travel, and transportation for victims of gun violence and family members of homicide victims. It also supports counseling, legal advice, and financial compensation services.
• Grant recipients must report annually on clearance rates, case outcomes, and victim demographics including race, sex, and age. The DOJ Inspector General will audit recipients to prevent fraud, and agencies with unresolved audit findings lose eligibility for the following year.
• The Attorney General must simplify the application process so small departments can apply in under two hours, and must provide technical assistance and dedicated liaisons to help eligible agencies through the process.