Legislative Activity

The "PLAN for School Safety Act of 2025" aims to improve school safety by establishing Regional School Safety Development Centers. These centers will offer customized consulting services to schools for developing and implementing evidence-based school safety plans, focusing on violence and suicide prevention, student mental health, and overall school security. The program will be overseen by a Director who will award grants to eligible entities, provide training and technical assistance, and establish a Youth Advisory Council. This act allocates $25 million annually from 2026-2030 to support these initiatives, ensuring schools receive the resources and guidance needed to create safer learning environments.

The HELPER Act of 2025 amends the National Housing Act to establish an FHA mortgage insurance program for first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and teachers. This program allows the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages up to 100% of the appraised value for eligible first-time homebuyers, waiving down payment requirements but requiring an up-front mortgage insurance premium. Mortgagors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a first-time homebuyer, completing a housing counseling program, and meeting employment and good standing requirements as a first responder. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 and requires reauthorization of the program after 5 years.

The "Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2025" increases penalties for stealing firearms from licensed dealers. It sets stricter punishments, including up to 20 years in prison, for violating laws related to firearm theft. The act also mandates minimum prison sentences of 3 years for burglaries and 5 years for robberies targeting licensed firearm businesses.

The "Protect and Serve Act of 2025" creates federal offenses for intentionally causing serious injury or death to law enforcement officers because of their status as officers. It sets penalties including imprisonment and fines, with increased penalties if death results or if kidnapping or attempted killing is involved. Federal prosecution requires certification from the Attorney General, based on a request from the state or if it is in the public interest to ensure substantial justice. The act defines "law enforcement officer" and "State" for the purposes of the new offenses.

The "Red Snapper Act of 2025" restricts the Secretary of Commerce from implementing area closures for snapper-grouper fisheries in the South Atlantic until the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is completed and its data is integrated into a red snapper stock assessment. This aims to ensure fishery management decisions are based on the most current data, potentially mitigating negative economic impacts on recreational fishing.