Improving Police CARE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5864
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-28: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T20:09:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 5864: Improving Police CARE Act
Purpose
This bill aims to set minimum standards for trauma kits—first aid kits designed to stop severe bleeding—purchased with federal grant money from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. The goal is to ensure law enforcement agencies have access to effective, standardized equipment to respond to life-threatening injuries during emergencies, potentially improving public safety and officer preparedness.
Key Provisions
- Definition of Trauma Kit: A first aid kit that includes tools for controlling severe bleeding (hemorrhage).
- Purchase Requirements: Grantees (such as state or local governments) can only buy pre-assembled trauma kits using grant funds if they meet performance standards set by the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). However, grantees can still buy individual components and assemble their own kits as long as they meet the standards.
- Development of Standards: Within 180 days of enactment, the BJA Director must consult with trauma surgeons, emergency medical professionals, law enforcement groups, and others to:
- Create and publish performance standards for trauma kits, requiring specific components (listed below).
- Develop optional best practices for law enforcement on training officers to use the kits, maintaining them in vehicles or facilities, and deploying them effectively.
- Required Components: Every eligible trauma kit must include:
- A tourniquet recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (a group that advises on combat injury care).
- A bleeding control bandage.
- Nonlatex protective gloves and a pen-type marker.
- Blunt-ended scissors.
- Instructional materials from sources like the Department of Homeland Security's "Stop the Bleed" campaign, the American College of Surgeons, the American Red Cross, or Department of Defense partners.
- A suitable bag or container.
- Additional approved supplies for treating traumatic injuries, as endorsed by law enforcement or first responders.
- Short Title: "Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies Act" or "Improving Police CARE Act."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill amends Section 521 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (a key law funding criminal justice programs) by adding a new subsection (d). This introduces the first federal performance standards specifically for trauma kits funded by Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, which previously had no such requirements for this equipment. It does not alter grant eligibility or funding amounts but adds a compliance layer for purchases.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Law enforcement agencies and grantees (e.g., state, local, or Tribal police departments) will need to verify that trauma kits meet BJA standards when using grant funds, potentially increasing administrative oversight but standardizing equipment quality. The BJA will gain new responsibilities for developing and publishing standards and best practices.
- On Citizens: Could enhance public safety by equipping officers with reliable tools to treat severe injuries quickly, such as in shootings or accidents, potentially saving lives in emergencies.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic law enforcement funding and standards.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement Agencies: State, local, and Tribal police departments as primary grantees, who must comply with standards for grant-funded purchases.
- Medical and Emergency Professionals: Trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, and groups like the American College of Surgeons, involved in consultations for standards.
- Federal Agencies: Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for standard-setting; Department of Justice for grant administration.
- Professional Organizations: Law enforcement associations, labor groups, and trade bodies consulted in the process.
- First Responders and the Public: Indirectly benefit from improved emergency response capabilities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes enforceable federal standards for grant-funded purchases without mandating kits for non-grant uses, preserving flexibility for agencies. It promotes evidence-based equipment (e.g., via "Stop the Bleed" guidelines) but relies on consultations to avoid overly prescriptive rules.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it involves spending conditions on federal grants (a common congressional power under the Spending Clause) and does not infringe on state or local autonomy beyond grant compliance.
- Political: Could foster bipartisan support by addressing officer and public safety in high-risk scenarios, though it may spark debate on federal oversight of local policing tools. Implementation depends on BJA resources and could influence future expansions of grant conditions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-28: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-10-28: Introduced in House
- 2025-10-28: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies Act — issued 2025-10-28 — PDF (5 pages)