FOP-SUPPORTED FEDERAL PUBLIC SAFETY BILLS & DOJ GRANT OPPORTUNITIES THAT COULD BENEFIT MARYLAND COMMUNITIES
Brandywine, Southern Prince George’s County, Charles County & Maryland Public Safety Update
The National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) supports several federal public safety measures in the 119th Congress that could impact:
? Law enforcement agencies
? Schools and youth safety programs
? Crime victims
? First responders
? Public safety retirees and families
? Maryland communities
Important: FOP support does not mean every bill has become law. Many proposals still require congressional approval. Grant opportunities are competitive and agencies must meet eligibility requirements.
? SIGNED INTO LAW — PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION
? TAKE IT DOWN Act
Public Law 119-12
H.R. 633 / S. 146
Strengthens federal authority to address harmful online distribution of exploitative deepfake and intimate images.
? HALT Fentanyl Act
Public Law 119-26
H.R. 27 / S. 331
Permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I.
?? Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act
Public Law 119-60
Recognizes certain duty-related cancer deaths as line-of-duty deaths under the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program.
? Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act
Public Law 119-60
Expands certain Public Safety Officers’ Benefits eligibility for retired officers.
? Improving Police CARE Act
Public Law 119-60
Allows Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funding to support lifesaving equipment such as trauma kits.
? PROPOSED PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION
? Police Hiring & Retention
Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act
H.R. 4024
Would increase funding for the federal COPS Hiring Program.
Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants Act
H.R. 5403
Would allow COPS grants to support recruitment and retention incentives.
? Crime Reduction & Victim Support
Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization
H.R. 1726 / S. 1300
Would continue federal support for violence reduction programs.
VICTIM Act
H.R. 8746 / S. 4500
Would support investigations, forensic services, and victim assistance.
?? Officer Protection & Training
Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Expansion Act
H.R. 5391
Would expand federal support for protective vests.
Scenario-Based De-escalation Training Act
H.R. 3372
Would support realistic training for law enforcement encounters.
? SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMS
Ensuring Safer Schools Act
H.R. 2752
Would support training retired law enforcement officers and veterans to serve as School Resource Officers.
Safer Schools Act
H.R. 6683
Would create DOJ school safety pilot grant programs.
PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act
S. 539
Would continue the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program.
? FENTANYL & OVERDOSE RESPONSE
Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act
H.R. 621 / S. 180
Would support equipment protecting responders from dangerous drugs.
Fight Fentanyl Act
H.R. 2964
Would strengthen HIDTA programs and federal coordination.
? BENEFITS FOR OFFICERS, RETIREES & FAMILIES
HELPER Act
H.R. 2094 / S. 978
Would create a VA-style mortgage program for eligible public servants.
Public Safety Retirees Healthcare Protection Act
H.R. 3327
Would address healthcare-related tax provisions for eligible retirees.
LEOSA Reform Act
H.R. 2243 / S. 679
Would expand and clarify concealed-carry protections for qualified active and retired law enforcement officers.
? U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS (OJP)
FY2026 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
These are funding opportunities — not guaranteed awards. Eligible agencies and organizations must apply and meet federal requirements.
? Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Supports:
Law enforcement equipment
Technology
Courts
Crime prevention
Corrections
Mental health programs
Apply through:
? Grants.gov
https://www.grants.gov/
? DOJ JustGrants
https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/
? Body-Worn Camera Program
Supports:
Body cameras
Evidence storage
Policy development
Training
? Crime Gun Intelligence Center Initiative
Supports:
Firearm tracing
Ballistics intelligence
Multi-agency investigations
? Mental Health & Crisis Response Grants
Supports:
Police/mental health partnerships
Crisis response training
De-escalation programs
? Opioid & Substance Use Response Grants
Supports:
Overdose response
Treatment partnerships
Prevention programs
Recovery services
? Second Chance Act Programs
Supports:
Reentry education
Employment assistance
Family-based recovery programs
? Autism, Dementia & Missing Person Safety
Kevin and Avonte Program
Supports:
Tracking technology
First responder training
Missing-person response systems
?? Firearm Crisis Intervention Funding
Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program
Supports:
Crisis intervention
Court services
Behavioral health response
? Human Trafficking Victim Services
Supports:
Survivor housing
Counseling
Legal assistance
Multi-agency task forces
? GRANT APPLICATION RESOURCES
Federal Grants Portal:
? https://www.grants.gov/
DOJ Office of Justice Programs:
? https://www.ojp.gov/
DOJ JustGrants Application Portal:
? https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/
?? IMPORTANT
Federal grants are not automatic. Applicants may need:
Eligibility verification
Partnerships
Certifications
Matching funds
Federal reporting requirements
Potential Maryland applicants include:
? Prince George’s County Police Department
? Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office
? Charles County Sheriff’s Office
? Maryland State Police
? Local governments
? Courts
? Schools
? Qualified nonprofits
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Source: National Fraternal Order of Police — Legislation We Support & U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Funding Opportunities
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