National Police Association Endorses Bill to Support Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 17, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The National Police Association has endorsed the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act, a bill aimed at enhancing the safety and wellness of law enforcement officers and strengthening community-police relations. The legislation, introduced by Senator Thom Tillis (NC) and Representative Troy Nehls (TX-22), would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide $6 million annually in grant funding for seven fiscal years to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).

The NLEOMF, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit established by Congress in 1984, manages the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Museum. Unlike other federal museums, the NLEOMF does not receive ongoing operating appropriations. The proposed funding would be used for various initiatives, including expanding line-of-duty fatality and injury data, which police agencies use to establish best practices. According to Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association, "Supporting officer safety is essential, especially now. Per the FBI's most recent Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, the assault rate on officers reached another 10-year high in 2025."

The bill also includes provisions for public engagement initiatives, such as expanding school partnerships. Fitzsimmons explained, "The public often gets information about police from news and social media outlets. Providing access to structured public outreach initiatives can counter inaccurate information." Another provision of the bill includes free museum admission for active and retired officers and their families, as well as free dedicated hours for the public.

The National Police Association commends Senators Tillis and Nehls and their co-sponsors for introducing the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act. The legislation is designed to strengthen police-community relationships and support officer safety and wellness.

The bill passed the House on September 14, 2026, and a companion bill is pending in the Senate Committee for Energy and Natural Resources. The legislation is seen as a crucial step in addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and improving the overall well-being of the profession.