Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5403

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-16: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-04-29T08:06:57Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act," aims to expand the flexibility of federal grants under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. It allows local law enforcement agencies to use these grants for bonuses aimed at recruiting and retaining officers, particularly in areas facing staffing shortages due to declining recruitment or high rates of retirements and resignations.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Grant Uses: Modifies Section 1701(b) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10381(b)) by adding a new allowable use (paragraph 25). This permits grants to fund bonuses for recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers or career officers in agencies experiencing recruitment declines or high turnover from retirements or resignations.
• New Definition: Adds to Section 1709 of the same Act (34 U.S.C. 10389) a definition of "law enforcement officer," which cross-references the meaning in Section 1204(9) of the Act (generally referring to individuals with arrest powers employed by government agencies).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, COPS grants supported a range of community policing activities, such as hiring officers and technology improvements, but did not explicitly include bonuses for recruitment and retention.
• This bill broadens the scope of grant expenditures to address modern staffing challenges, making the program more adaptable without creating new funding sources.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Local and state law enforcement agencies gain access to federal funds for targeted incentives, potentially easing administrative burdens related to officer shortages. The Department of Justice, which oversees COPS grants, may see increased grant applications focused on retention strategies.
• On Citizens: Could lead to more stable and responsive policing in communities by helping maintain officer numbers, improving public safety services without direct tax increases.
• On International Relations: No apparent impacts, as the bill focuses solely on domestic law enforcement funding.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Law Enforcement Agencies and Officers: Primary beneficiaries, as they can use grants for bonuses to attract and keep qualified personnel.
• Local Governments: Eligible to apply for and receive COPS grants, potentially reducing budget strains from staffing issues.
• Federal Government (Department of Justice): Responsible for administering the expanded grant program, which may require minor updates to application guidelines.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Aligns with existing federal grant authority under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, ensuring compliance without altering core eligibility rules. The added definition clarifies terms to prevent disputes over who qualifies as a "law enforcement officer."
• Constitutional: No significant challenges; it supports the federal government's spending power to promote public safety under the Commerce Clause, without infringing on state or individual rights.
• Political: Addresses ongoing concerns about law enforcement staffing post-pandemic and amid social debates on policing, potentially appealing to bipartisan support for community safety while emphasizing retention over expansion.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]

Cosponsors (12)

Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-16: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-09-16: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-16: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act — issued 2025-09-16 — PDF (2 pages)