This legislation aims to enhance school safety by prioritizing the hiring and training of veterans and retired law enforcement officers to serve as school resource officers (SROs). It specifically amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow COPS grants to be used for these purposes, ensuring that applications focused on these hires receive preferential consideration . The bill also introduces new requirements for SROs, mandating an annual mental health screening and annual training on tactics and response . Furthermore, it expands the definition of an SRO to include veterans and retired law enforcement officers, requiring them to meet annually with students to foster familiarity and community engagement. The Department of Veterans Affairs is also directed to coordinate with grant recipients to connect veterans seeking SRO roles with local law enforcement agencies.