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Bill

HR 9966

Safe Spaces for All Act

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 1 co-sponsor

Expands NSGP to fund on-site security hires, including off-duty officers, and grants limited costs for grant-application staffing, clarifying application vs. administration.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9966

Summary of Bill: HR 9966 – Safe Spaces for All Act (117th? 119th Congress, 2026)

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive provisions publicly disclosed in the bill text provided and outlines its purpose, key changes, affected parties, and procedural context.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to clarify and expand the requirements related to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • The overarching intent appears to be to broaden the scope of eligible activities and implementation options for nonprofit security funding, with particular emphasis on enhancing on-site security and related administrative processes.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expansion of eligible security activities (on-site focus):
    • The bill adds explicit language to NSGP provisions to include “the hiring of onsite security personnel.” This clarifies that grant funds can be used to hire personnel who will provide on-site security at nonprofit facilities.
  • Administrative expansion for grant applications:
    • The bill inserts language making clear that the process covers both “application for” and “administration” of NSGP grants, potentially broadening how applicants and DHS administer grant activities.
  • New subparagraphs and reorganization:
    • The current subparagraph (E) is created and designated for new purposes:
    • (E) Hiring of off-duty police officers.
    • (F) Hiring personnel to apply for funding under this section, with a cap on related expenses.
  • Funding expense cap for related hiring (new subparagraph F):
    • Expenses for hiring personnel to apply for NSGP funding are allowed but may not exceed 5 percent of the grant amount.
  • Reorganization:
    • Subparagraph (E) is added and, in the original structure, an existing subparagraph (E) is redesignated as (G). This indicates a reordering of the statutory language to accommodate the new provisions.

Who/what is affected

  • Nonprofit organizations eligible for NSGP funding:
    • Those seeking DHS NSGP grants could use funds to hire on-site security personnel.
    • Organizations may hire off-duty police officers using NSGP funds under the new framework.
    • Organizations may engage personnel to assist with grant applications (to apply for funding), subject to the 5 percent cap on such hiring-related costs.
  • DHS and grant administration processes:
    • DHS’s administration and review processes for NSGP may be affected to reflect the expanded authorized uses and the clarified application/administration scope.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referrals:
    • Introduced in the House on July 27, 2026.
    • Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and, in addition, to the Committee on Homeland Security for consideration of provisions within each committee’s jurisdiction.
  • Sponsorship:
    • Primary sponsor: Rep. Neguse, with Rep. Bacon as a co-sponsor.

Potential impact and considerations

  • The bill could broaden the ways nonprofit entities use NSGP funds to enhance security, potentially increasing on-site security staffing and partnerships with law enforcement through the hiring of off-duty officers.
  • The 5 percent cap on hiring-related administrative expenses may help limit overhead for grant applicants seeking personnel to assist with the grant process.
  • Clarifying application versus administration may affect how nonprofits plan, document, and justify NSGP expenditures.
  • Practically, the bill would require DHS to adjust program guidance and funding announcements to reflect these expansions and clarifications.

If you want, I can compare this bill’s language to the current NSGP statute (6 U.S.C. 609a) and outline the precise statutory changes side-by-side.

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

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