H.R.4024 - Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 4024, the "Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act," proposes a supplemental appropriation of $162 million for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This funding is intended for grants to hire and rehire career law enforcement officers under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The bill mandates background checks and psychological evaluations for officers hired or rehired using these funds and designates the appropriation as an emergency requirement.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to address public safety vacancies by providing financial assistance to law enforcement agencies. This could lead to increased police presence and potentially improved response times. The required background checks and psychological evaluations may enhance the quality and suitability of new hires.
Potential Benefits
- Increased law enforcement presence in communities.
- Reduced crime rates due to more officers on duty.
- Enhanced public safety through better-staffed police departments.
- Improved quality of law enforcement personnel through background checks and psychological evaluations.
- Financial relief for local law enforcement agencies struggling with staffing shortages.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending and potential strain on the budget.
- Potential for misuse of funds by law enforcement agencies.
- Concerns about the effectiveness of background checks and psychological evaluations in preventing misconduct.
- Possible over-reliance on law enforcement as a solution to complex social problems.
- Risk of perpetuating existing biases within law enforcement if hiring practices are not carefully monitored.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of ensuring domestic tranquility and providing for the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Congress has the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare under Article I, Section 8, Clause 1. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but providing funding to state and local law enforcement does not inherently infringe upon state sovereignty.
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).