H.R. 9066: Community-Based Approaches to Prevent and Address Hate Crimes Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Community-Based Approaches to Prevent and Address Hate Crimes Act of 2026, aims to establish a grant program specifically for the prevention of hate crimes through community-based organizations. Here’s a breakdown of the main components of the bill:

Grant Program Establishment

Upon this bill's enactment, the U.S. Attorney General would create a program to provide grants to community-based organizations. Funding for these grants is subject to available appropriations.

Application Process

Organizations wishing to receive grants would need to submit applications that meet specific requirements determined by the Attorney General.

Use of Funds

The funds provided through these grants could be used for various purposes, including:

• Developing community strategies for conflict resolution and empowering and educating community members.
• Creating and implementing non-carceral (non-jail) sentencing options and diversion programs for youth involved in hate crimes.
• Establishing public education campaigns focused on hate crime data collection and reporting.
• Facilitating educational classes and community service for those convicted of hate crimes that relate to the affected community.
• Employing safety ambassadors to support vulnerable community members in public settings.
• Offering support services, including mental health assistance, to victims or families affected by hate crimes.
• Providing training in intervention and de-escalation in multiple languages.
• Implementing additional strategies that serve communities targeted by hate crimes due to various characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Definition of Community-Based Organization

The bill defines a "community-based organization" as a nonprofit that is effectively integrated within and serves the communities most affected by hate crimes. These organizations should provide educational, social, and public health services to assist victims and support the community.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $30 million annually for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031 to implement the grant program.

Amendments Related to Criminal Investigations

The bill also proposes changes to an existing law (the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010) to remove the limit on grant amounts for certain criminal investigations and prosecutions related to hate crimes, thereby enhancing the capacity for funding participation.

Relevant Companies

None found.