H.R.1260 - U.S. Park Police Modernization Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1260, the U.S. Park Police Modernization Act, aims to reduce the number of pay grade steps and shorten the time between steps for officers and members of the United States Park Police. This bill amends the District of Columbia Police and Firemen's Salary Act of 1958 to adjust the salary schedule for the U.S. Park Police. The proposed changes affect the annual rates of basic compensation for various ranks within the Park Police, from Private to Chief.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to increase the compensation of U.S. Park Police officers more rapidly throughout their careers. This could improve morale and retention within the force. The bill also adjusts service step requirements and disregards prior compensation adjustments made before January 12, 2025.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Morale: Higher pay and faster advancement can boost morale among officers.
- Increased Retention: Better compensation can encourage experienced officers to stay with the Park Police.
- Attracting Qualified Candidates: Competitive salaries can attract more qualified individuals to join the force.
- Enhanced Public Safety: A well-compensated and motivated police force can lead to improved public safety in national parks.
- Fair Compensation: The bill aims to modernize the pay structure to ensure fair compensation for the duties and responsibilities of Park Police officers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Costs: The new salary schedule will likely increase the overall cost of operating the U.S. Park Police.
- Potential for Budgetary Strain: Increased personnel costs could strain the budgets of the National Park Service and related agencies.
- Disregard of Prior Adjustments: Disregarding prior adjustments could lead to disputes or dissatisfaction among some officers.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses solely on compensation and does not address other potential areas for modernization within the Park Police.
- Potential for Inequity: The changes might create perceived inequities if not implemented carefully across all ranks and positions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to improve the effectiveness and morale of the U.S. Park Police, which contributes to domestic tranquility and public safety. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States. However, the specific details of compensation are generally left to legislative discretion, and the bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).