H.R. 5403In committeeCrime & justice
COPS grants could fund police recruitment bonuses
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 5403 would let local police agencies use existing federal COPS grants to pay bonuses for hiring and keeping officers.40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill adds a new approved use for federal COPS grants. Local law enforcement agencies could use that money to offer bonuses to recruit new officers or keep current ones from leaving. This option would only be available to agencies already seeing fewer recruits or more officers retiring and resigning than usual.
Who does it affect?
Local law enforcement agencies across the country that receive COPS grants would be affected. The change would apply only to those agencies facing staffing challenges through low recruitment or high turnover.
Why does it matter?
Right now, COPS grants cannot be used to pay recruitment or retention bonuses. This bill would add that as an allowed expense, giving qualifying agencies another tool to address staffing changes.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act
- Introduced:
- September 16, 2025
- Latest action:
- September 16, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.