The Next Gen Road Safety Act would allow law enforcement agencies to use federal COPS grants, which provide funding for police equipment and training, to purchase specialized equipment designed to prevent and stop high-speed vehicle pursuits safely. The bill specifically authorizes spending on technologies like vehicle-disabling systems, police bumper systems, and drones intended to de-escalate dangerous car chases without relying on traditional pursuit tactics. This legislation affects local police departments and sheriff's offices across the country that currently receive COPS funding, expanding what they can use these federal dollars to purchase. The bill does not specify new funding amounts or timelines, instead modifying existing grant authorities to include this new category of equipment. By making these tools available through established federal grant programs, the legislation aims to reduce risks to both law enforcement and the public during high-speed pursuits.
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