SASS Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1334

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2025-07-08T12:36:43Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Single Application for School Safety Act (SASS Act) aims to simplify the process for applying to federal grants that fund school security improvements. It allows applicants to submit one unified application instead of separate ones to different parts of the Department of Justice (DOJ), making it easier for schools and local agencies to access funding for enhancing safety measures.

Key Provisions

• Single Application Process: The Attorney General must create a system where a single grant application can be used for funding authorized under two specific programs—one managed by the Director of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office and the other by the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). These programs provide matching grants (where recipients contribute a portion of the funds) for school security enhancements.
• Technical Assistance: The COPS Director or BJA Director must offer support to help applicants prepare and complete their grant applications.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Section 2702 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (a key federal law governing crime prevention and justice grants). It adds two new subsections:

• Subsection (c) introduces the multipurpose application option, which did not exist before.
• Subsection (d) mandates technical assistance, expanding support beyond what was previously required.

These changes build on the existing matching grant program for school security without altering the grant amounts, eligibility, or core requirements.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The DOJ (specifically COPS and BJA) will need to develop and implement a streamlined application system, potentially reducing administrative workload over time but requiring initial setup costs and coordination between offices.
• On Citizens: Schools, students, and communities may benefit from easier access to grants for security upgrades like better locks, cameras, or training, potentially improving school safety without added bureaucratic hurdles.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic program focused on U.S. schools.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Schools and Educational Institutions: Primary beneficiaries, as they can more easily apply for funds to bolster security.
• Local Law Enforcement and Governments: Eligible applicants who partner with schools; the simplified process could encourage more participation.
• Department of Justice (DOJ): COPS and BJA offices will handle the new application and assistance requirements.
• Grant Applicants Overall: Nonprofits, state agencies, or other entities seeking school safety funding will face less paperwork.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The changes are procedural and administrative, with no alterations to funding levels or oversight, ensuring compliance with existing federal grant laws. It promotes efficiency without raising concerns about due process or equal protection under the Constitution.
• Constitutional: Neutral impact; the bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate federal spending and commerce.
• Political: Could appeal across party lines by addressing school safety—a bipartisan priority—while reducing red tape (excessive bureaucracy), potentially increasing grant uptake and demonstrating effective government streamlining. No major controversies anticipated, as it focuses on implementation rather than policy shifts.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario [R-FL-26], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-13: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Single Application for School Safety Act — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (2 pages)