Sponsors (5)
The bill streamlines and speeds access to federal policing grants for local and state law enforcement—potentially improving public-safety program delivery—but raises competition and cost pressures and risks expanding funded policing activity without stronger civilian oversight.
Local and state law enforcement agencies and local governments: can submit a single, consolidated application to access COPS and BJA grants, reducing administrative burden and making it easier to pursue federal public-safety funding.
Law enforcement agencies and local grant applicants: will receive direct technical assistance for preparing applications, improving application quality and increasing the chances of receiving federal funding.
Communities served by awarded programs: may see faster deployment of funded policing and public-safety projects because reduced administrative barriers can shorten the funding and implementation timeline.
Communities, particularly racial and ethnic minorities: could face expanded law enforcement activities funded through easier grant access without matching civilian oversight, raising civil liberties and equity concerns.
Local and state governments seeking funding: may encounter increased competition for limited grant dollars as more applicants enter the pool under simplified application rules, leaving some jurisdictions unfunded.
Taxpayers and federal employees: providing technical assistance will consume AG/COPS/BJA staff time and resources, potentially increasing administrative costs or diverting personnel from other duties.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a single DOJ application for certain COPS and BJA grants and requires grant offices to provide technical assistance to applicants.
Introduced February 13, 2025 by Jared Moskowitz · Last progress February 13, 2025
Creates a single, unified federal application process allowing applicants to use one form to apply for two types of Department of Justice grants related to school safety, and requires the relevant grant offices to provide technical assistance to help applicants complete grant applications. Also designates an official short title for the Act.