Summary#
This bill amends federal law to reauthorize and expand the National Threat Assessment Center (the Center) operated by the United States Secret Service at the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Center's duties would include training, consultation, research, information sharing, and developing evidence-based threat assessment programs. The bill creates a "Safe School Initiative" for research, training, coordination with other federal agencies, consultations with state and local officials, and an optional interactive website. The bill requires the Center to hire at least one employee with expertise in child psychological development and at least one with expertise in school threat assessment. It requires a report to Congress within two years describing staffing, trainings delivered, program reach, and evaluations. The bill authorizes $10,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, prohibits using those funds for firearms training, and terminates the section on September 30, 2030.
What it means for you#
- Schools, school districts, local law enforcement, mental health professionals, and other public or private organizations may be offered research, trainings, and consultations from the Center.
- The Center will publish research findings on the Secret Service website and on SchoolSafety.gov and plans to make training resources available in each State within one year of enactment.
- The bill directs coordination with the Departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services, and authorizes the Center to consult with state and local officials and private groups.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes $10,000,000 to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030.
- The bill allows the Director of the Secret Service to hire additional personnel and requires at least two specified experts be hired (one in child psychological development and one in school threat assessment).
- No publicly available information on total projected staffing levels, detailed budget breakdowns, or long-term fiscal effects beyond the authorization amounts.
Proponents' View#
- The bill's findings and sense of Congress emphasize that a fact-based behavioral threat assessment approach can prevent targeted violence and that the Center's model and trainings are effective tools. The text cites prior Center research and training activity and describes the proposal as a way to standardize and expand training, research, and prevention efforts nationwide.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.