National Police Athletic/Activities League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9059
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T16:33:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill reauthorizes federal support for the National Police Athletic/Activities League (National PAL) by directing the Department of Justice to provide grants. The main goals are to expand after-school programs run by law enforcement personnel, improve academic and social outcomes for youth, and lower juvenile crime and victimization rates in underserved communities.
Key Provisions
- Grant Authorization: For fiscal years 2028 through 2032, the Assistant Attorney General must award annual grants to National PAL for creating new local chapters in public housing and distressed areas and expanding existing ones.
- Expansion Targets: Requires a long-term plan to add 250 new chapters (50 per year) and reach at least 500 total chapters by January 1, 2032.
- Use of Funds: Chapters must run at least two after-school programs, including mentorship, academics, recreation, technology training, or leadership development, plus options like drug prevention, health counseling, job skills, or conflict resolution.
- Additional Requirements: Chapters must recruit volunteers, involve youth in planning, seek private donations, and avoid duplicating other local programs.
- Reporting: National PAL must submit yearly reports to the Assistant Attorney General; the Department of Justice must report to Congress on progress and program effectiveness.
- Funding: Authorizes $16 million per year, with set-asides for research (at least 2%), technical assistance (at least 1%), and administration (at least 1%, capped at 6%). The Attorney General may also redirect other Department of Justice funds.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill extends the grant program through fiscal year 2032 with a new five-year authorization and specific numerical targets for chapter growth. It updates definitions and program requirements while maintaining the core structure of providing federal support through National PAL rather than directly to local law enforcement agencies.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Justice gains ongoing administrative responsibilities for grant oversight, evaluation, and reporting.
- Citizens: Youth ages 5–18 in high-risk urban, suburban, and rural areas (including public housing) gain access to structured after-school activities; communities may see reduced juvenile crime and improved school attendance.
- International Relations: No direct effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National PAL and its over 200 local chapters.
- Youth participants and their families in distressed areas.
- Local law enforcement agencies that sponsor chapters.
- State and local parks and recreation departments.
- Private donors and community organizations.
- Congressional committees overseeing the Department of Justice.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation relies on Congress’s spending authority to direct federal funds to a private nonprofit for community-based programs. It emphasizes coordination between law enforcement and communities without creating new regulatory mandates or altering criminal law. No major constitutional issues are raised in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-29: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- National Police Athletic/Activities League Youth Enrichment Reauthorization Act — issued 2026-05-29 — PDF (13 pages)