DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 2285

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Emergency Management

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-09: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

Last Updated

2026-07-09T13:27:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2025 aims to improve oversight and accountability for the accreditation of entry-level training programs within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It requires regular reporting on these programs' accreditation status to Congress and mandates research and development (R&D) to expand access to federal law enforcement training for state, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies, with a focus on rural and remote areas. This supports better preparation for terrorism and other homeland security threats.

Key Provisions

• Annual Reporting Requirement: Starting 90 days after enactment and continuing yearly, the DHS Secretary must submit reports to specified congressional committees on the accreditation status of all existing DHS basic training programs. Reports must include:
• Dates of initial accreditation (or reasons for lack of accreditation, actions taken, and timelines for achieving it).
• Most recent accreditation or reaccreditation dates.
• Anticipated next accreditation dates.
• Names of accreditation managers (individuals responsible for managing accreditation for each program).
• End of Reporting: Annual reports cease once all relevant DHS basic training programs are fully accredited.
• Handling Accreditation Lapses: If a program loses accreditation, the head of the relevant DHS component must notify the Secretary within 30 days. The Secretary then notifies Congress within another 30 days, detailing the reason for the lapse and steps to regain accreditation.
• Definitions: The bill defines key terms, such as:
• Accreditation: Official recognition by a board that a program meets applicable standards in administration, development, and delivery.
• Basic training program: Entry-level DHS training for law enforcement or support roles, focusing on essential skills and required for certain job appointments.
• Reaccreditation: Periodic review to confirm ongoing compliance with standards.
• Relevant congressional committees: House and Senate committees on Homeland Security and the Judiciary.
• Research and Development Mandate: The DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology must conduct R&D on systems and technologies to improve SLTT access to training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), prioritizing rural and remote communities to boost domestic preparedness against threats.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new requirements not previously mandated in federal law. It establishes the first formal, ongoing reporting mechanism for DHS basic training accreditation, including lapse notifications and termination conditions. It also creates a specific R&D initiative for FLETC access, which expands beyond current DHS training support programs by emphasizing technology-driven enhancements for underserved areas. No explicit amendments to prior statutes are mentioned, but it builds on existing DHS authority for training and accreditation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DHS will face increased administrative burdens for reporting and accreditation management, potentially leading to higher training quality and standardization across components. SLTT law enforcement, especially in rural areas, could gain better access to federal resources, improving coordinated responses to threats.
• On Citizens: Enhanced training standards may indirectly improve public safety through more competent DHS and SLTT personnel, fostering greater homeland security readiness without direct citizen-facing changes.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, as the bill focuses on domestic training and preparedness; it does not address border, immigration, or foreign policy elements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• DHS Components and Leadership: Directly responsible for implementing reporting, accreditation, and R&D; includes training program managers and the Under Secretary for Science and Technology.
• Congressional Committees: House and Senate Committees on Homeland Security and the Judiciary, which gain detailed oversight information for policy decisions.
• SLTT Law Enforcement Agencies: Benefit from expanded FLETC access, particularly rural and remote entities, enhancing their terrorism response capabilities.
• Accreditation Bodies: External boards that evaluate DHS programs may see increased activity due to accreditation pushes.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: The bill promotes administrative transparency and accountability without creating new enforcement penalties, relying on congressional oversight. It aligns with existing federal training laws (e.g., under the Homeland Security Act) by standardizing accreditation processes, potentially reducing legal risks from substandard training.
• Constitutional Implications: No significant concerns; it supports Congress's oversight role under Article I (spending and appropriations powers) and does not infringe on individual rights or federalism principles, though it encourages federal-SLTT collaboration.
• Political Implications: Enhances bipartisan homeland security focus by addressing training gaps, potentially appealing to lawmakers concerned with efficiency and rural equity. It could spark debates on DHS resource allocation but remains non-controversial in scope, emphasizing improvement over reform.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-09: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
• 2025-04-09: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-03-25: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee.
• 2025-03-25: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-03-24: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-03-24: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-03-24: Referred to the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.
• 2025-03-24: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-24: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (5 pages)