Next Gen Road Safety Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 9, 2026
Bottom line
The Next Gen Road Safety Act expands federal grant eligibility for law enforcement to acquire new technologies aimed at reducing the dangers associated with high-speed police chases.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the authorized uses of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants. Specifically, it allows law enforcement agencies to use these federal grants to purchase equipment, technology, or support systems designed to prevent and de-escalate high-speed vehicular pursuits, including vehicle-disabling systems, police bumper systems, and drones.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will enhance public safety by providing law enforcement with modern tools to manage and terminate dangerous high-speed pursuits more safely, thereby reducing the risk of injury or death to officers, suspects, and innocent bystanders. They contend that current pursuit methods often carry significant risks, and new technologies offer a less lethal and more controlled approach to apprehension.
Opponents contend
Opponents might express concerns about the potential for misuse of new technologies like vehicle-disabling systems or drones, raising civil liberties and privacy issues. They may also argue that focusing on technology distracts from addressing underlying causes of crime or that these systems could still lead to unintended accidents or disproportionate enforcement against certain communities.
The bill is exceptionally short and can be read and understood quickly by any interested party.
Section 2, amending 34 U.S.C. 10381(b)
Expansion of COPS Grant Eligibility for Pursuit De-escalation Equipment
This provision modifies existing law to allow state and local law enforcement agencies to use federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants for purchasing specific types of equipment. This equipment is intended to help prevent or safely end high-speed vehicle chases. Examples explicitly mentioned include vehicle-disabling systems (like GPS darts or remote engine kill switches), specialized police bumper systems, and drones, all aimed at reducing the need for traditional, high-risk pursuits.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that allowing COPS grants to fund these technologies will directly save lives and prevent injuries by providing officers with alternatives to dangerous high-speed chases, which often result in accidents. They emphasize that these tools offer a more controlled and less confrontational way to end pursuits, protecting both the public and officers.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that expanding grant eligibility for these technologies could lead to an over-reliance on technical solutions rather than addressing policy and training deficiencies in pursuit management. Concerns could also be raised about the cost-effectiveness of these systems and whether they truly reduce overall risk or simply shift it.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire for increased public and officer safety during pursuits against potential concerns regarding the cost, efficacy, and ethical implications of deploying new technologies like vehicle-disabling systems and drones in law enforcement operations.