H.R. 7163: Providing Useful Budgets for Localities to Invest in Cops by Substituting Appropriations from Federal Enforcement To Yield Results Act

This bill, titled the Public Safety Act, aims to allocate funding for law enforcement initiatives, specifically targeting local police departments and related programs. Here are the main components of the bill:

Funding for Local Law Enforcement

The bill proposes amendments to existing legislation to redirect financial appropriations from federal enforcement agencies to funding local law enforcement hiring through the COPS Hiring Program. This is intended to support communities in increasing their police workforce.

COPS Hiring Program Changes

• The name "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement" in the law will be replaced with "COPS Hiring Program".
• The authorizing agent for the program will change from the "Secretary of Homeland Security" to the "Attorney General".
• Grants under this program will be available until September 30, 2030.

Waiver of Requirements

The bill includes provisions that allow certain jurisdictions with fewer than 175 law enforcement officers to receive grants without having to meet some of the standard requirements for grant applications. This includes:

• Counties, municipalities, towns, and similar local government entities.
• Tribal governments.

Funding for Byrne JAG Program

The legislation also allocates a significant amount of money specifically for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. This program is designed to assist jurisdictions in various law enforcement projects.

• The bill appropriates $45,000,000,000 to the Department of Justice for this program for the fiscal year 2025.
• This funding will remain available until September 30, 2029.

Overall Goals

The overarching goal of the bill is to enhance the resources available for local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and improve community policing efforts. By providing substantial funding and easing application requirements for smaller jurisdictions, the bill seeks to support those areas in maintaining and growing their law enforcement capabilities.

Relevant Companies

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