S. 571In committeeCrime & justice
Bill would give families of fallen officers a 270-day claim deadline
Data as of July 11, 2026
S 571 requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance to decide public safety officer benefit claims within 270 days of application.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
S 571 would set a 270-day deadline for the Bureau of Justice Assistance to decide whether applicants qualify for the Public Safety Officers' Death and Disability Benefit Program. Currently, no legal deadline exists for how long that decision can take. The bill does not change eligibility requirements or payment amounts.
Who does it affect?
The bill primarily affects surviving family members of police officers, firefighters, and other public safety workers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. It also affects the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which administers the program.
Why does it matter?
Without a deadline, families have sometimes waited years for a decision, creating prolonged financial uncertainty after losing or seriously injured a family member in the line of duty. Setting a fixed timeframe would require the agency to act within about nine months of receiving a claim.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
Officer John Barnes Act
- Introduced:
- February 13, 2025
- Latest action:
- February 13, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.