This bill creates a new grant program run by the COPS Director (the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services) to help find, investigate, and stop illegal distribution of opioids, including fentanyl. Eligible recipients include States, State law enforcement agencies, units of local government, Indian Tribes, multi-jurisdictional task forces, and regional consortia. Grants may pay for hiring and training officers and staff, creating or expanding multi-jurisdictional task forces or regional consortia, buying equipment or technology, paying overtime, and other activities the Attorney General finds appropriate. Grants last 1–3 years. At least 20 percent of funds must be reserved for direct grants to Indian Tribes or Tribal law enforcement and for multi-jurisdictional task forces. The COPS Director may use up to 2 percent of appropriated funds for administration and must provide technical assistance and may operate training centers. The Director must issue application guidelines within 90 days of enactment and give priority to applicants that will create or expand multi-jurisdictional task forces. Starting within 2 years of enactment and annually after that, the COPS Director must report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness and recommendations. The bill authorizes $70,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
If you are a State, local, or Tribal law enforcement agency, a unit of local government, a multi-jurisdictional task force, or a regional consortium, you could apply for a grant to pay for officers, training, equipment, overtime, or to build or expand multi-jurisdictional efforts against opioid distribution. Tribal agencies and multi-jurisdictional task forces have a dedicated set-aside (at least 20 percent). Applicants must submit an application with planned uses, data and record-keeping assurances, and certifications. The COPS Director will set application rules and may streamline the process.
The bill authorizes $70,000,000 for each fiscal year 2027 through 2031 to carry out the program. Up to 2 percent of amounts appropriated may be reserved for administrative costs. Grants provided under the program must be between 1 and 3 years in duration. At least 20 percent of the program funds are reserved for direct grants to Indian Tribes or Tribal law enforcement and to multi-jurisdictional task forces.
The text of the bill states the program’s purpose is to locate, investigate, and interdict illicit activities relating to the distribution of opioids. Supporters are advancing grants, training, and technical assistance to strengthen multi-jurisdictional efforts and Tribal capacity to address opioid distribution.
No publicly available information.