National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act.
Summary
HB309, titled the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act, would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide federal funding to the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C. for seven fiscal years. The bill directs grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to support the museum’s public education, community outreach, and officer safety and wellness programs, including memorialization of officers killed in the line of duty, development of educational resources, traveling exhibits, teacher training, online materials, and expanded public engagement.
The bill also requires annual progress reports to the Secretary of the Interior and to Congress, along with accounting of federal funds used. It authorizes $6 million per year for seven years and allows the Secretary, if needed, to transfer funds from the National Park Service to meet the authorized amount. The measure further provides for free admission for active and retired law enforcement officers and family members of fallen officers, plus weekly free-admission hours for the general public.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a new federal grant program administered by the Department of the Interior for the National Law Enforcement Museum and Memorial Fund, expanding federal support for a privately built museum and related outreach activities. It would not broadly amend criminal justice statutes, but it would affect federal appropriations and Interior/National Park Service funding authority by authorizing up to $42 million over seven years and permitting transfers from National Park Service funds if appropriations fall short. The bill would also impose reporting and transparency requirements on the recipient organization and the Secretary.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded votes or committee debate in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears supportive and commemorative. The bill is framed as a bipartisan effort, with many cosponsors from both parties, and emphasizes honoring fallen officers, improving officer safety, and strengthening public understanding of law enforcement. The findings section presents the measure as a response to staffing challenges, resignations, and concerns about public confidence in law enforcement.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are fiscal and policy-related rather than procedural. The bill authorizes a substantial federal expenditure for a museum that was originally built without federal funds, and it includes a fallback mechanism allowing transfers from National Park Service funds, which could raise budgetary concerns. Substantively, the bill’s emphasis on promoting public support for law enforcement and expanding law-enforcement-centered educational programming could draw differing views from those who question whether federal funds should support this type of institution or messaging. No specific opposition, amendments, or recorded votes were provided.
Supporting the designation of September 22 as "National Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day" and recognizing the Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag.