Introduced in House — H.R. 8179

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 8179

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 2, 2026

Ms. Mace (for herself, Mr. Van Drew, Ms. Malliotakis, Mr. Ezell, and Mr. McCormick) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the use of funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for police dog programs, and for other purposes.

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Federal Enhancement for Tactical Canine Help Act of 2026 or the FETCH Act of 2026.

Sec. 2. Use of Byrne grants for K9 units

Section 501(a)(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10152(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(J)
Police dog programs, including the following:
(i)
Acquiring police dogs.
(ii)
Training directly related to law enforcement duties involving police dogs, including on-duty general obedience training, and conditioning for the detection of narcotics, contraband, and explosives.
(iii)
Medications and dietary supplements for the wellness or service readiness of police dogs.
(iv)
Veterinary care for police dogs, including emergency services.
(v)
Insurance for veterinary, injury, death, replacement costs, or liability coverage related to police dogs.
(vi)
Dog food, including accommodations for special diets directly related to the service readiness or overall health of police dogs.
(vii)
Costs for equipment and supplies, including protective vests, identification collars, and first aid kits for police dogs.
(viii)
Costs related to housing needs for police dogs, including the creation or maintenance of kennels inside of a physical police department facility, or home-care stipends for law enforcement officers who care for police dogs at their home.
(ix)
Other costs related to routine care for police dogs.
(x)
Costs associated with police dogs after the dogs retire from service, including coverage for service-related injuries and chronic conditions, final veterinary care, formal adoption by the handling officer after the dog concludes its service, and the retrieval and delivery of administrative documents and certificates.