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Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7718| House 
| Updated: 2/25/2026
Randy K. Sr. Weber

Randy K. Sr. Weber

Republican Representative

Texas

Cosponsors (3)
Dave Min (Democratic)Andrew R. Garbarino (Republican)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to significantly improve the administration of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program by revising its administrative procedures. It introduces strict deadlines for claim processing, requiring the Bureau to notify claimants of missing information within 90 days and to make a benefit eligibility determination within 270 days of receiving a complete claim. To address delays, the bill mandates a single interim benefit payment if a determination is not made within 270 days, payable to undisputed beneficiaries or an escrow account, and generally not subject to recoupment unless fraud is involved. The legislation also expands eligibility for disability benefits, introducing a new category for public safety officers who become permanently, but not totally, disabled from line-of-duty injuries, preventing them from performing any gainful work as a public safety officer. These officers would receive half of the full benefit amount. Furthermore, it streamlines the process for certain claims by requiring the Bureau to approve claims related to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund or World Trade Center Health Program certifications, absent clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. To enhance transparency and oversight, the bill directs the Bureau to conduct ongoing outreach to public safety officers and agencies, including those with disabilities, and requires annual audits of backlogged claims by the Comptroller General. It also strengthens the Bureau's subpoena authority, compelling public agencies to provide necessary documentation within 30 days or face a subpoena. Finally, the Attorney General is mandated to implement recommendations from a recent Government Accountability Office report to further improve program management and transparency.
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Timeline
Feb 24, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3897
Introduced in Senate
Feb 25, 2026
Introduced in House
Feb 25, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • February 24, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3897
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 25, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • February 25, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program Expansion Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7718| House 
| Updated: 2/25/2026
This bill aims to significantly improve the administration of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program by revising its administrative procedures. It introduces strict deadlines for claim processing, requiring the Bureau to notify claimants of missing information within 90 days and to make a benefit eligibility determination within 270 days of receiving a complete claim. To address delays, the bill mandates a single interim benefit payment if a determination is not made within 270 days, payable to undisputed beneficiaries or an escrow account, and generally not subject to recoupment unless fraud is involved. The legislation also expands eligibility for disability benefits, introducing a new category for public safety officers who become permanently, but not totally, disabled from line-of-duty injuries, preventing them from performing any gainful work as a public safety officer. These officers would receive half of the full benefit amount. Furthermore, it streamlines the process for certain claims by requiring the Bureau to approve claims related to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund or World Trade Center Health Program certifications, absent clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. To enhance transparency and oversight, the bill directs the Bureau to conduct ongoing outreach to public safety officers and agencies, including those with disabilities, and requires annual audits of backlogged claims by the Comptroller General. It also strengthens the Bureau's subpoena authority, compelling public agencies to provide necessary documentation within 30 days or face a subpoena. Finally, the Attorney General is mandated to implement recommendations from a recent Government Accountability Office report to further improve program management and transparency.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Feb 24, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3897
Introduced in Senate
Feb 25, 2026
Introduced in House
Feb 25, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • February 24, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3897
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 25, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • February 25, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Randy K. Sr. Weber

Randy K. Sr. Weber

Republican Representative

Texas

Cosponsors (3)
Dave Min (Democratic)Andrew R. Garbarino (Republican)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted