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119-hr-3408119th CongressWALLET

Pathways to Policing Act

Sponsored By: Representative Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create federal grants and a nationwide marketing push to expand and diversify law enforcement hiring. It focuses on recruiting candidates from underrepresented and nontraditional backgrounds and on building training-to-hire pathways.

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  • Local and state law enforcement agencies could win competitive grants to fund marketing and structured "Pathways to Policing" programs. Each grant recipient could spend no more than 50% of funds on marketing and no more than 50% on pathway programs.
  • Candidates who face barriers to training would get financial support such as tuition, pay, or benefits while in law enforcement education and training. Programs may include part-time uniformed roles that count toward full-time officer positions and give priority to community residents or those willing to relocate.
  • The Attorney General would run a nationwide recruitment campaign and provide educational materials. Applicants must report annually to the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services director, and the bill authorizes $50 million per year for grants and $50 million per year for the campaign from 2026 through 2030.

*Authorizes $50 million per year for grants and $50 million per year for the nationwide campaign for fiscal years 2026–2030, up to $100 million annually.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Nationwide push to recruit officers

Within one year of enactment, the Attorney General would launch nationwide marketing and recruitment campaigns. The campaigns would encourage underrepresented and nontraditional candidates to seek police careers. The Attorney General would consult with states, police groups, community groups, and researchers. The Department would create materials for state and local campaigns. The bill would authorize $50 million each year from 2026 to 2030 for this effort, subject to appropriations.

New grants for police hiring

Within 180 days of enactment, the Justice Department’s COPS Office would open a competitive grant program. States, local governments, and law enforcement agencies could apply. Awards could fund recruitment marketing and Pathways to Policing programs. No more than 50% of any grant could go to marketing, and no more than 50% to Pathways programs. Applicants would file in the form and time the COPS Office requires, and recipients would submit yearly reports. The Attorney General, through the COPS Office, would run applications and oversight. The bill would authorize $50 million each year from 2026 to 2030 for these grants, subject to appropriations.

Paid pathways into police careers

This bill would support "Pathways to Policing" programs. If you have no prior police experience and face training barriers, you could qualify. Programs could pay tuition, a stipend or pay, and benefits while you train. They could include part‑time uniformed work that counts toward full‑time roles. Grant awards would favor recruiting people from underrepresented groups and those who live in, or will move to, the communities they would serve.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3]

MN • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1]

    MN • R

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

  • Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

  • Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

  • Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

    NE • R

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

  • Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

  • Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

  • Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]

    IA • R

    Sponsored 5/14/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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