Bill > S560

This bill aims to reauthorize and expand the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) of the U.S. Secret Service within the Department of Homeland Security, with a specific focus on preventing targeted violence, particularly in schools. The bill was inspired by the tragic 2018 Parkland school shooting and seeks to formalize and strengthen the Center's existing work in threat assessment. The legislation establishes NTAC's core functions, including providing training, conducting research, facilitating information sharing, and developing evidence-based programs to prevent targeted violence. A key component is the creation of a national school violence prevention program that will conduct research, offer training to educational and safety agencies, and coordinate with other federal departments like Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services. The bill requires the Secret Service to hire additional personnel with expertise in child psychology and school threat assessment, and mandates a comprehensive report to Congress every two years detailing the Center's activities, training efforts, and effectiveness. The legislation authorizes $10 million in funding annually from 2026 to 2030, explicitly prohibits using funds for firearms training, and includes strict definitions of "evidence-based" research methodologies. The ultimate goal is to create a proactive, collaborative approach to identifying and intervening in potential violent situations before they occur, with a particular emphasis on early intervention and supporting at-risk individuals.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/560/all-info