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Bill

HR 8564

Local Law Enforcement Support Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Mark Alford and 9 co-sponsors

expands Byrne/JAG funding to cover personnel, protective gear, cyber/digital forensics, drones, advanced investigative tech, and victim services for local law enforcement.

Introduced in House
1
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8564

Summary of bill: HR 8564 — Local Law Enforcement Support Act of 2026

Purpose

  • To expand funding opportunities for local law enforcement, building on the Byrne/JAG program and related federal assistance authorities. The bill aims to broaden the scope of eligible uses of Byrne/JAG funds to include a wider set of police and investigative needs, with emphasis on recruitment, equipment, digital/forensic capabilities, and victim services.

Key provisions and changes

  • The bill amends Section 100054(5) of Public Law 119–21 (139 Stat. 390) to modify how Byrne/JAG funding can be used. Specifically, it adds several eligible purposes to the existing program, including:

    • Recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of law enforcement personnel.
    • Acquisition of protective equipment for law enforcement personnel.
    • Enhancing capacity to combat digital crimes and supporting cyber investigations, including:
    • Acquisition of digital forensics equipment.
    • Acquisition of digital evidence analytical software.
    • Supporting the use of drone and counter-drone operations in law enforcement.
    • Expanding availability of forensic technologies and other investigative equipment, including:
    • Ballistics analysis equipment compatible with the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
    • Rapid DNA instruments (as defined in 34 U.S.C. 40702(c)(3)).
    • Video analytics software.
    • Open-source intelligence (OSINT) analytical software.
    • Enhancing communication with and providing services to victims of violent crime.

  • The amendments are framed as additions (new subparagraph items) to the already broad set of Byrne/JAG uses, rather than replacing existing authorities. The exact legislative text positions these items as enumerated eligible uses under the Byrne/JAG program.

Who or what would be affected

  • Local law enforcement agencies that receive Byrne/JAG funding (a federal program administered to support state and local criminal justice efforts) would gain expanded authority to use funds for:
    • Hiring and training personnel.
    • Protective equipment.
    • Digital/cyber investigation capabilities (equipment and software).
    • Drone operations and counter-drone measures.
    • Forensic and investigative technology (including ballistics, rapid DNA, video analytics, and OSINT tools).
    • Victim services and improved communication with victims of violent crime.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress on April 28, 2026 by Rep. Ann Wagner (and co-sponsored by Reps. Rutherford, Kelly, and Bacon).
  • It was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for consideration.
  • The text indicates an amendment to a preexisting statute (Byrne/JAG program authority) rather than creating a new standalone grant program, suggesting the changes would take effect upon enactment and subsequent appropriations adopting or aligning with the amended authorities.

Notable details

  • Specific new eligible uses are enumerated, including both capability upgrades (digital forensics, OSINT, rapid DNA, video analytics) and equipment (ballistics integration with NIBIN, protective gear, drones) to bolster investigative and cyber capabilities.
  • The measure emphasizes support for victims of violent crime as part of the enhanced assistance.

Bottom line

HR 8564 seeks to broaden and modernize the uses of Byrne/JAG funding to better equip local law enforcement with personnel, protective equipment, cyber and digital investigation tools, advanced forensic technologies, drone operations, and victim services, thereby expanding federal support for local policing and investigative capacity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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