James Lankford (R-OK)
Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026," authorizes the Department of Justice to provide grant funding to accredited nonprofit organizations. The goal is to improve access to training for law enforcement officers in rural and smaller communities. It targets agencies with fewer than 50 sworn officers to ensure they can receive training at no cost. The training covers various topics including de-escalation, wellness, and safety. Additionally, the bill allows localities to pool grants to contract with these nonprofits.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets law enforcement training for agencies in rural and smaller communities.
- Scored +5
Does this change how police departments operate?
The bill authorizes funding for training in de-escalation, victim-centered approaches, and community partnership skills.
- Scored +2
Would children be better off under this?
The bill includes training for officers to better respond to calls involving vulnerable youth.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Training Access for Small Agencies: Law enforcement agencies with fewer than 50 sworn officers can receive training at no cost (Section 2(c)). This addresses the issue where smaller agencies often lack the resources or staff to navigate complex federal grant applications (Section 2(a)(3)).
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De-escalation and Safety Skills: Officers can receive training in de-escalation using certified programs (Section 2(d)(1)). This can help manage interactions more effectively.
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Officer Wellness and Leadership: The bill provides for officer wellness programs and leadership training (Section 2(d)(2) and (3)).
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Victim-Centered Approaches: Training is available for handling domestic violence situations through a victim-centered lens (Section 2(d)(4)).
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Enhanced Community Interactions: Officers can receive specialized training to improve conflict resolution, mediation, and problem-solving to better work in partnership with their communities (Section 2(d)(7)).
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Safety in Critical Situations: Training includes evidence-based safety for active shooter situations, handling illicit drugs, and rescue situations (Section 2(d)(6)(A-C)).
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Support for Vulnerable Populations: Training covers responses to calls involving persons with mental health needs, substance use disorders, veterans, persons with disabilities, vulnerable youth, victims of certain crimes, or those experiencing homelessness or poverty (Section 2(d)(6)(E)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets law enforcement training for agencies in rural and smaller communities. Would children be better off under this? — The bill includes training for officers to better respond to calls involving vulnerable youth. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill includes training for officers to better respond to calls involving persons with disabilities. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill includes training for officers to better respond to calls involving veterans. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill includes training for officers to better respond to calls involving persons living in poverty.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill authorizes funding for training in de-escalation, victim-centered approaches, and community partnership skills. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill includes training for officers on how to respond to calls involving persons with disabilities. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill includes training for officers to better handle calls involving persons experiencing poverty. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — The bill includes training for officers to better handle calls involving persons experiencing homelessness.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill provides training for law enforcement to better respond to calls involving persons with mental health needs.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill provides training for officers to better respond to calls involving veterans.
- 7/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware