Criminal Justice (Policing)

in committee · United States · House May 13, 2026

HR 8776: Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act of 2026

The Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act of 2026 directs the Attorney General to submit a report on strategies for improving mental health support for law enforcement officers. This report, due within 270 days of enactment, will outline best practices for reducing mental health stigma, encouraging access to counseling and screening, and ensuring the confidentiality of these services. The requirement involves consulting with various law enforcement agencies, professional organizations, and mental health groups to gather input. Additionally, the bill defines "law enforcement officer" broadly to include police, corrections, probation, parole, and judicial officers. Ultimately, the legislation mandates the collection of information and recommendations rather than establishing new federal programs or funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill aims to improve officer mental health and reduce stigma, supporting law enforcement well-being within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates a report on improving mental health support for law enforcement, aiming to reduce stigma and increase access to counseling.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Probation & Parole Mental Health

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passed · United States · Senate Jun 15, 2026

S 4394: Promoting Police Leadership Act

The Promoting Police Leadership Act directs the Attorney General to create and certify specialized training programs for police commanders, focusing on leadership, community trust, and data-driven policing. This initiative requires the training to be primarily in-person and include practical problem-solving exercises where officers develop and refine solutions for real-world challenges. The bill mandates that the Attorney General consult with local agencies and universities to design these curricula and publish a list of law enforcement units that successfully complete the courses. Additionally, the legislation requires periodic reports to Congress and a review by the Government Accountability Office to assess the program's effectiveness and implementation barriers. Importantly, the act does not override state or local authority to set their own certification standards for law enforcement officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes police accountability and community trust through specialized leadership training, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · United States · House May 15, 2026

HR 8849: Promoting Police Leadership Act

The Promoting Police Leadership Act directs the Attorney General to create training programs for mid-level law enforcement leaders, such as those managing specific geographic areas. These curricula will focus on practical skills like strategic thinking, community trust-building, data analysis, and officer wellness, delivered primarily through in-person instruction and peer learning. The bill establishes a certification system for courses that meet these standards and requires the Attorney General to publish a list of agencies that have successfully trained their command staff. Additionally, the legislation mandates periodic reports to Congress and a review by the Government Accountability Office to assess the program's effectiveness. Importantly, the law explicitly states that it does not override state or local authority to set their own training and certification standards for police officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement leadership through training in community trust and accountability, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · United States · House Apr 28, 2026

HR 8564: Local Law Enforcement Support Act of 2026

The Local Law Enforcement Support Act of 2026 expands funding opportunities for local police departments through the Byrne JAG and COPS programs. These funds can be used to recruit and train officers, purchase protective gear, and acquire specific tools like digital forensics equipment, drone technology, and ballistics analysis systems. The bill also allows for investments in software for cyber investigations and victim services. By adding these categories to the list of eligible expenses, the legislation provides law enforcement agencies with more options for addressing modern crime challenges.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly expands funding opportunities for local police departments through federal programs, directly advancing the budget and appropriations topic.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands funding for local police departments, recruiting, training, and acquiring investigative tools, directly strengthening law enforcement capabilities.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds digital forensics equipment, drone technology, and cyber investigation software for law enforcement, directly advancing technology capabilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · Senate May 19, 2026

S 4575: SMART Community Policing Act

The Supporting Mental Assistance Responder Teams Community Policing Act authorizes federal COPS funds to help local police departments create specialized teams that include mental health professionals and paramedics. These teams are designed to respond to crisis calls involving individuals with mental health issues, homelessness, or substance use disorders, aiming to de-escalate situations and connect people with necessary treatment instead of relying solely on law enforcement. The legislation also supports co-responder programs where officers work alongside clinicians, as well as outreach teams that follow up with individuals to help them access services and maintain stability. By funding these initiatives, the bill seeks to improve community safety outcomes and reduce the burden on emergency services through better coordination between police and health providers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds specialized teams to de-escalate mental health crises, reducing reliance on force and promoting rehabilitation.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill authorizes federal funds to create specialized police teams including mental health professionals, directly advancing mental health services and patient access.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds specialized teams to address homelessness and mental health crises, aiming to connect individuals with treatment rather than incarceration, indirectly supporting housing stability.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Mental Health Homelessness Tags Public Safety

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in committee · United States · House May 7, 2026

HR 8675: Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026

The Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026 allows nonprofit organizations to receive federal grants to provide free training to small rural police departments and sheriff's offices with fewer than 50 officers. This change aims to help smaller agencies access funding that they often cannot navigate due to complex application processes and reporting requirements. The bill authorizes these grants only if the training aligns with Department of Justice priorities and is delivered at no cost to the recipient agencies. Eligible nonprofits must have recognized expertise in law enforcement training as determined by the Attorney General.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes federal grants to fund training for rural law enforcement, directly increasing government spending on public safety services.75% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds training for rural law enforcement, enhancing officer capabilities and aligning with DOJ priorities to strengthen criminal justice operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · House May 12, 2026

HCONRES 98: Expressing support for America's law enforcement professionals.

This concurrent resolution expresses Congress's support for law enforcement officers and honors those who have died or been injured while performing their duties. The document highlights the dangers officers face, noting high rates of assaults and suicide, as well as current staffing shortages compared to pre-2020 levels. It calls for increased measures to improve officer safety, including more personnel, better training and equipment, stricter penalties for assaulting officers, and expanded mental health resources. This non-binding measure does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to formally recognize the contributions of police professionals and urge government bodies to provide necessary support.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly supports law enforcement, calls for increased safety measures, better training, and stricter penalties for assaulting officers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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passed · United States · House May 13, 2026

HRES 1252: Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

This resolution expresses support for police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors and supports law enforcement, aligning with protecting those who preserve community safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · United States · House May 12, 2026

HR 8750: COPS Reauthorization Act of 2026

The COPS Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends funding for the COPS ON THE BEAT grant program through fiscal year 2031, allowing the Department of Justice to continue providing grants to local law enforcement agencies for hiring and retaining officers. The bill also formally establishes the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services as a separate office within the Department of Justice, headed by a Director appointed by the President. These changes aim to maintain and clarify the administrative structure and financial support for community policing initiatives across the United States.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly extends funding for the COPS ON THE BEAT grant program through FY 2031, directly advancing government spending for public safety.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill extends funding for COPS grants to hire and retain officers, directly strengthening law enforcement capacity and resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · United States · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 8179: FETCH Act of 2026

The FETCH Act of 2026 expands funding from federal Byrne grants to support police dog programs across the United States. This legislation allows law enforcement agencies to use these funds for acquiring, training, and caring for police dogs, including expenses for veterinary care, medications, food, equipment, and housing. The bill also permits funding for retired service dogs, covering post-service medical needs and administrative costs. Directly affected entities are police departments that operate K9 units and seek financial assistance for canine-related operational expenses. The act amends existing federal crime control statutes to explicitly include police dog programs as eligible uses of Byrne grant money.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands federal funding for police dog programs, strengthening law enforcement capabilities and supporting criminal justice operations through enhanced resources.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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