AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
Introduced
Summary
Study whether animal cruelty predicts future violence and fund early detection and intervention. This bill would direct the Attorney General, through the National Institute of Justice, to research risk factors and develop best practices while creating a grant program to support detection, intervention, and data sharing.
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- For researchers and policymakers: NIJ would complete a study within 3 years on evidence-informed risk factors, which types of animal cruelty correlate with later human violence, and provide recommendations for interventions and diversion strategies for juvenile and adult offenders.
- For law enforcement, courts, and service providers: Establishes a grant program for eligible entities — states, local governments, courts, Indian Tribes, and nonprofits — to fund training, specialized units, prosecution and court resources, and data systems linking police, prosecutors, and courts.
- For victims and offenders: Grants may fund mental and behavioral health treatment, rehabilitation, early-intervention services, and programs aimed at preventing future harm to animals and people.
*Authorizes $2.0 million for the study in fiscal year 2027 and $2.0 million for the grant program, a total of $4.0 million, subject to appropriation.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clear definition of animal cruelty
If enacted, the bill would define "animal cruelty" to include intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harming or killing an animal, such as torturing, maiming, poisoning, sexual abuse, animal fighting, and attempts. It would also include intentionally or knowingly neglecting an animal or depriving it of necessary food or shelter, and attempts. The bill would not cover normal veterinary or farming practices, slaughter for food, lawful hunting or pest control, medical research, acts needed to protect a person, or standard euthanasia.
Federal study on animal cruelty
If enacted, the Attorney General would direct the National Institute of Justice to study whether animal cruelty predicts later violence against people. The study would include literature review, original research, and expert input. A report with specific policy and intervention recommendations would be due to Congress within 3 years of enactment. The bill would authorize $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 for the study, available until expended.
Stop Future Violence grants
If enacted, the Attorney General would establish the Stop Future Violence grant program to fund states, local governments, courts, tribes, and nonprofits working on animal cruelty and related human violence. Grants would pay for training, personnel, technical help, data systems, specialized law enforcement or court units, treatment, rehabilitation, and policies or protocols. Grants could also support systems linking police, prosecutors, and courts to track arrests, protection orders, prosecutions, and convictions. The bill would authorize $2,000,000 to carry out the program, available until expended.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
NV • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]
FL • R
Sponsored 5/19/2026
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 5/19/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov