Us Congress House Bill HB6973

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/11/24

Caption

COPS on the Beat Grant Program Reauthorization and Parity Act of 2024

Impact

The bill proposes significant changes to current laws by extending the COPS grant program through fiscal years 2025 to 2034 and allowing funding to support hiring and compensation for law enforcement officers, particularly in areas that struggle to meet national median income benchmarks. The reformation would enable jurisdictions with a household income below 70% of the national median to use the grants to raise officer pay to 80% of that median, facilitating improved recruitment efforts and community-focused policing strategies.

Summary

House Bill 6973, titled the 'COPS on the Beat Grant Program Reauthorization and Parity Act of 2024', seeks to amend the existing provisions governing the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant programs. Primarily, the bill aims to allow the use of COPS grants for the increase of law enforcement officers' compensation and hiring. It emphasizes the necessity of fostering a diverse workforce within policing agencies, arguing that a more diverse police force can improve community relations and enhance public safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 6973 revolve around the extent of federal influence on local law enforcement funding and practices. Critics may argue that providing increased federal funding could lead to a dependency on such grants, undermining local governments' budgetary autonomy. Furthermore, discussions suggest potential disparities in the emphasis on recruitment practices across different demographics, raising concerns about equitable implementation and potential biases in the recruitment strategies outlined by the bill.