Bill > HR5029

This bill, the Strong Communities Act of 2023, amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grant funds to be used for local law enforcement recruits to attend schools or academies, as long as they agree to serve in law enforcement agencies within their communities for at least 4 years out of the 8-year period following the completion of their training. The bill defines "eligible entities" as institutions of higher education or local law enforcement agencies that offer law enforcement training programs, and "local law enforcement agencies" as state, local, or tribal agencies authorized to engage in criminal law enforcement. The bill also includes provisions for repayment of benefits if the recruit does not complete the required 4-year service, with exceptions for certain extenuating circumstances.