This bill would create a new grant program specifically for small police departments and Tribal law enforcement with fewer than 175 officers. It aims to help these smaller agencies get the funding they need for training and keeping staff, which can be harder for them than for big city departments.
The money could be used for several types of specialized training. This includes learning how to de-escalate tense situations without using force, responding to mental health crises, handling domestic violence cases, and staying safe during active shooter events or drug-related calls.
To help find and keep good officers, the grants could pay for signing bonuses or retention bonuses for long-term employees. It also offers up to $10,000 for officers to go back to school for graduate degrees in fields like mental health or social work.
The policy focuses on officer well-being by providing access to mental health services. This includes counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and telehealth services to make sure officers have the support they need to do their jobs safely.
Congress would set aside $50 million each year from 2026 through 2030 for these grants. To make it easier for small towns to apply, the government would be required to create a simple application that takes less than two hours to finish.
Impact Analysis
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Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Feb 27, 2025Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Feb 27, 2025
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
