Anna’s Law of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 30, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to improve the response of first responders to survivors of sexual assault and related violence through federally supported, mandatory, trauma-informed training.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a new grant program, allowing the Secretary to award grants to State, Tribal, and local law enforcement and emergency medical services agencies. These grants are for developing and expanding trauma-informed training for their personnel, specifically focusing on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking cases. The bill also mandates specific content for the training and sets minimum annual training hours.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation is crucial for improving interactions between first responders and survivors of sexual violence, reducing the risk of retraumatization, and fostering a more victim-centered approach. They contend that equipping law enforcement and EMTs with trauma-informed skills will lead to better support for survivors and potentially enhance the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the potential for this grant program to create an unfunded mandate if federal appropriations do not fully cover the costs of the required training for local agencies. Some may also argue about the administrative burden of the grant application and reporting processes, or question the federal government's role in mandating specific training hours and content for local personnel.
The bill is very concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough review within the allotted time.
Section 2, adding new Section 553(a) of the Public Health Service Act
Establishment of Trauma-Informed Training Grant Program
This provision authorizes the Secretary to award one-year grants to eligible entities, which include State, Tribal, or local law enforcement agencies and State or local agencies overseeing emergency medical services. The purpose of these grants is to establish and expand training programs designed to increase understanding of trauma's impact in sexual assault cases and to develop trauma-informed response strategies.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this grant program is essential to provide the necessary financial resources for agencies to develop and implement high-quality, evidence-based trauma-informed training, which is often costly to develop and deliver without federal support.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that a grant program could lead to inconsistent training quality across different jurisdictions or that it creates an unfunded mandate if agencies are pressured to apply without sufficient federal funding to cover all costs.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for federal support to address a critical training gap with concerns about federal involvement in local agency operations and potential funding shortfalls.
Section 2, adding new Section 553(c) and 553(f) of the Public Health Service Act
Specifics of Required Trauma-Informed Training and Hours
This provision mandates that the training must be trauma-informed, evidence-based or demonstrate promising practices, and victim-centered. It specifies content areas, including identifying trauma's impact on the brain and behavior, preventing retraumatization, recognizing trauma's influence on interactions, and effective communication strategies. Additionally, it sets minimum training hours: 8 hours for new recruits in law enforcement, fire, and EMS academies, and 4 hours annually for all other existing law enforcement personnel and emergency medical technicians.
Section 2, adding new Section 553(d) and 553(e) of the Public Health Service Act
Federal Listing of Trainers and Diversity Mandate
This provision requires the Secretary to maintain an online, searchable listing of trainers who provide the described trauma-informed training, categorized by geographic area and professional background. Furthermore, as a condition for receiving a grant, eligible entities must strive to provide training using trainers with diverse professional backgrounds and inclusive racial, ethnic, and gender representation.
Section 2, adding new Section 553(g) of the Public Health Service Act
Annual Reports to Congress
This provision requires the Secretary to collect data and submit annual reports to Congress on the grant program. Each report must include the number of eligible entities receiving grants, an evaluation of the grants' effectiveness in improving trauma-informed training, data on the prosecution and outcomes of sexual assault cases, and feedback from survivors on their experiences with law enforcement personnel and emergency medical technicians.