In the nature of a substitute.

The amendment, titled the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026, aims to revise how public safety officers' death benefits are handled. Its primary purpose is to speed up the claims process and hold the Bureau accountable for delays.

Key Changes and Additions:

• Timelines for the Bureau: The Bureau must notify claimants of missing information within 90 calendar days and provide a final determination within 270 calendar days after receiving all necessary information.

• Interim Benefits: If the Bureau fails to make a determination within 270 days, it must issue a single interim benefit payment to undisputed beneficiaries or an escrow account.

• Accountability and Audits: The Comptroller General will conduct annual audits of claims pending for more than one year to identify why they are delayed. The Bureau must also submit a summary of backlogged claims to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.

• Subpoena Power: The Bureau is required to issue a subpoena to a public agency if that agency fails to provide necessary documentation within 30 days of a request (unless a 60-day extension is approved).

• Outreach and Improvements: The Bureau must perform ongoing outreach to ensure officers, disabled officers, and underserved agencies are aware of the program. Additionally, the Attorney General must ensure the Director of the Bureau implements specific GAO recommendations regarding transparency and program management.

• Expedited Payments: Claims should be approved if the World Trade Center Health Program or the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund provides certification of eligibility, unless there is clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

• Administrative Fixes: The amendment updates the definition of gainful work and corrects the spelling of paraplegic.