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

The bill would change how the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits program handles claims. It requires the Bureau to notify claimants within 90 days about any missing information, and to issue a final, appealable eligibility decision within 270 days of receiving complete information. If the Bureau misses that 270-day deadline, it must issue a single interim benefit payment (to an undisputed beneficiary, or into escrow if beneficiary status is unresolved), which is credited against any final award and generally cannot be clawed back except in cases of fraud. The bill also requires the Bureau to use subpoena power to obtain agency records needed to process claims, mandates ongoing outreach to public safety agencies and disabled officers, and directs annual GAO audits of claims pending more than a year. It fixes a related benefits determination for claims tied to the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund or World Trade Center Health Program, and requires implementation of prior GAO recommendations on the program within 180 days of enactment.

It primarily affects public safety officers, their survivors, and dependents applying for federal death, disability, or educational assistance benefits, as well as the Bureau of Justice Assistance and public agencies that supply claim-related records.

The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent on August 7, 2026, with an amendment, sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. It now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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