October 2, 2026

IACP Supports the National Law Enforcement Officers, Support, and Community Outreach Act.

Earlier this week, the IACP sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in support of H.R. 309, the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act. The bipartisan measure passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice vote on September 14, 2026, and is now before the Senate.

Subject to appropriations, the bill would authorize the U.S. Department of the Interior to award annual grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for seven fiscal years to support the National Law Enforcement Museum. Eligible activities would include community outreach, public education, resources on law enforcement history, officer safety and wellness programming, and expanded access to museum exhibits and services.

The IACP’s letter underscored the museum’s national role in honoring fallen officers, educating the public about policing, and supporting stronger relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

IACP Highlights Public Safety Communications Priorities on Capitol Hill

The IACP will join with public safety partners on October 7 for a congressional briefing on two critical communications priorities: reauthorization of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and nationwide deployment of Next Generation 911 (NG911). Representing IACP, Keith Kelley, deputy chief of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and vice chair of the IACP Communications and Technology Committee, will discuss how these technologies are supporting law enforcement operations today and what public safety agencies need from Congress to ensure reliable, interoperable communications in the future. The briefing is part of ongoing advocacy efforts to advance communications capabilities that enhance officer safety, emergency response, and public safety nationwide.

Strengthening Officer Certification and Hiring Standards | Congress Advances Criminal History Access Act

On September 30, the Senate approved the Criminal History Access Act (H.R. 8352), bipartisan legislation that would provide state Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agencies with direct access to FBI criminal history records. The measure is intended to support more thorough background investigations and strengthen officer certification, licensing, and hiring decisions. The legislation was supported by the IACP and other law enforcement organizations. The bill now awaits the president’s signature.

Congressional Calendar Update

Congress has recessed for the fall campaign period and is expected to remain out of session until after the November elections. During the recess, members will work in their states and districts, and no floor votes or other formal legislative business are scheduled.

Following the elections, the House and Senate are scheduled to return for a brief lame-duck session. Lawmakers are expected to consider fiscal year 2027 appropriations, the National Defense Authorization Act, and other unfinished legislative business. Because the current continuing resolution funds the federal government only through December 11, negotiations over full-year spending legislation—or another short-term extension—will be a central focus before Congress adjourns at the end of the year.

Legislative Update Notice

Because Congress will not conduct formal legislative business during the recess, the IACP Legislative Update will pause until lawmakers return to Washington. The IACP will continue to monitor developments affecting the policing profession and will resume regular updates when Congress reconvenes.

Past Legislative Updates