Summary#
This bill makes changes to how certain Department of Homeland Security grant programs are run. It adds clearer rules about notice timing, application windows, and how long recipients have to use awarded funds. It also requires some annual notifications to Congress and defines which grant programs must follow the new rules.
Key changes in the text include:
- Replacing a previously optional action with a requirement that the action occur at least annually.
- Changing how DHS explains the basis for allocating funds and requiring an annual notification the Administrator sends to the House and Senate Homeland Security committees before a notice of funding opportunity is issued.
- Requiring that notices of funding opportunity for specified preparedness grants be made public either by deadlines in appropriations acts or within 60 days after enactment of the appropriations act if no deadline exists, and that eligible applicants have at least 30 days to apply.
- Requiring that grant funds awarded under specified preparedness sections remain available for use by recipients for at least 54 months.
- Requiring similar notice, application-period, and 54-month period-of-performance rules for transit, railroad, over-the-road bus, and port security grant programs.
- Requiring certain risk-assessment information be provided at least 30 days before any notice of funding opportunity or program guidance related to a grant.
What it means for you#
- If you are a state, local, transit, port, railroad, or bus agency that applies for these grants: notices should be published with more predictable timing, you must get at least 30 days to prepare applications, and awarded funds would generally be available to use for at least 54 months.
- If you follow federal grant decisions: Congress would receive annual notifications about how DHS sets funding priorities for some allocations.
- If you are a member of the public: you may see grant opportunities posted with clearer timing and more public information before awards are made.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
Proponents' View#
The bill’s stated purpose is to improve oversight, transparency, and stakeholder engagement in preparedness, transit, and port security grant programs. Supporters would point to clearer deadlines, longer periods to use funds, required public notices, and routine notifications to Congress as steps that increase accountability and give applicants more time to apply.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.