Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7494
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-11: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-21T15:33:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
## Purpose This legislation authorizes the Attorney General to fund a national center that promotes lethality assessment programs. These programs aim to reduce domestic violence-related homicides by helping first responders identify high-risk situations and connect victims with support services.
## Key Provisions
- The Attorney General may award grants to one or more nonprofit or tribal organizations to create and operate a national training and technical assistance center.
- Eligible organizations must show national experience in developing, implementing, evaluating, and sharing lethality assessment programs.
- The center would support states, local governments, and Indian Tribes in adopting these programs.
- Annual funding is authorized at $5,000,000 starting in fiscal year 2026, available until spent.
- A lethality assessment program is defined as one that quickly links victims to local services, helps responders identify deadly risks, and uses validated tools to spot high-risk victims.
## Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill creates a new grant program focused on lethality assessment training. It does not amend or repeal prior statutes but adds to existing efforts under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 by referencing its definitions for terms like domestic violence and related parties.
## Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of Justice would oversee grant awards and the new center; state and local law enforcement agencies could receive training and tools.
- Citizens: Victims of domestic violence may gain faster access to services, potentially lowering homicide risks.
- International relations: No direct effects noted.
- Broader effects: Increased coordination between law enforcement and community providers, with possible expansion of evidence-based practices nationwide.
## Main Stakeholders Affected
- Domestic violence victims and their families.
- Law enforcement agencies and first responders.
- Nonprofit and tribal victim service organizations.
- State, local, and tribal governments.
- The Department of Justice.
## Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure operates within established federal grant authority and references existing Violence Against Women Act definitions, raising no apparent constitutional issues in the text. It emphasizes evidence-based tools and tribal inclusion without altering core legal frameworks for domestic violence response.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-11: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-02-11: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act — issued 2026-02-11 — PDF (3 pages)