Summary

Adds a new permitted use for COPS Hiring Program grants so agencies can use grant funds to pay recruitment and retention bonuses to law enforcement officers at agencies facing declines in recruitment or high rates of retirements or resignations. Also adds a statutory cross‑reference definition for “law enforcement officer.” This change expands how existing public safety and community policing grant money may be spent but does not itself appropriate new funds or set a start date.

• Allows COPS Hiring Program grant funds to be used to pay recruitment and retention bonuses for law enforcement officers.
• Targets agencies experiencing recruitment declines or unusually high retirements/resignations.
• Adds a statutory cross‑reference definition for "law enforcement officer" to clarify eligibility.
• Does not appropriate new money; it only expands permitted uses of existing grant funds.
• Requires grant administrators to update guidance and may require recipients to document staffing problems to qualify.
• Applies to agencies receiving COPS Hiring Program grants (state, local, tribal, territorial).
• May shift some grant spending toward bonuses rather than other community policing activities.
• No effective date or new reporting schedule is specified in the provided text.