Bills · HR 7718
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7718Law enforcement officersGovernment studies and investigations
Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 25· LAST ACTION FEB 25
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
10BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it addresses a critical issue for public safety officers and their loved ones: timely access to financial support during devastating circumstances. Currently, families of fallen or severely injured officers can face long delays in receiving the benefits they are entitled to, adding financial stress to an already traumatic time. This bill aims to alleviate those delays by setting strict timelines and introducing interim payments.
If this bill becomes law, it means more reliable and quicker financial assistance for those who sacrifice greatly for public safety. If it doesn't pass, the current system with potentially lengthy processing times and uncertainty for claimants would continue, leaving families in a difficult position while waiting for vital benefits.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Bureau to notify claimants of missing information within 90 days and make a final benefit eligibility determination within 270 days of receiving a complete claim.
This establishes clear timelines for claim processing, aiming to reduce long waits and uncertainty for public safety officers and their families.
PROVISION 02
Mandates a one-time interim benefit payment if the Bureau fails to make a determination within the 270-day deadline for complete claims, payable to undisputed beneficiaries or an escrow account.
This provides critical financial assistance to claimants during processing delays, ensuring some support even if the final determination is pending.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Bureau to issue a subpoena to a public agency if it fails to provide necessary information for a claim within 30 days of a request.
This provision strengthens the Bureau's ability to gather required documentation, preventing delays caused by uncooperative agencies.
PROVISION 04
Expands the definition of 'totally disabled' to include public safety officers who can no longer perform 'gainful work as a public safety officer,' and adds new provisions for permanent and partial disability.
This potentially broadens the eligibility for disability benefits, covering more officers who are severely injured but might not meet the previous 'totally disabled' criteria.
PROVISION 05
Requires annual audits by the Comptroller General for claims pending over one year and ongoing outreach by the Bureau to inform public safety officers and underserved agencies about the program.
These provisions aim to identify and address systemic issues causing delays and ensure wider awareness and accessibility of the benefits program.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 10
R· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
23
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 80%
DEM 6 REP 4 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 25
Introduced in House
FEB 25
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7718
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 25, 2026
Last actionFeb 25, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 25, 2026
House BillHR 7718Law enforcement officersGovernment studies and investigations
Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 25, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 25, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
10
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
