HR 7718 United States House · 119th Congress

Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026

This bill updates administrative procedures for the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program to speed up claim processing and expand disability coverage. It requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to notify claimants about missing information within 90 days and issue interim payments if claims aren't resolved within 270 days, while also mandating annual audits of backlogged claims. The legislation adds benefits for permanent partial disabilities that prevent officers from working in their previous capacity and creates a faster approval process for claims supported by World Trade Center health certifications.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Feb 25, 2026 Last action Feb 25, 2026