Bill · S. 5376· Senate(119-S-5376)
FITNESS Act
- Introduced
- 8/7/2026
- Last activity
- 8/7/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Cory Booker
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The FITNESS Act seeks to establish rigorous, uniform standards for the hiring, training, and suitability of Federal law enforcement officers. It implements strict requirements for citizenship, medical readiness, drug testing, and academic or experience-based qualifications. The bill prohibits agencies from using accelerated or abbreviated training programs, regardless of staffing shortages or operational needs. Additionally, it establishes strict ineligibility criteria based on prior conduct and discriminatory activities. To ensure accountability, the bill mandates the use of national databases for tracking officer misconduct and provides oversight through Inspectors General. Finally, it imposes a hiring freeze on certain immigration enforcement positions until specific standards are met.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this change how police departments operate?+7
The bill establishes rigorous training, accountability databases, and use-of-force reporting to enhance professional standards.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill enhances transparency through mandatory reporting of use-of-force incidents and public reporting of misconduct data.
Does this give the federal government more power?+4
The bill expands federal oversight and mandates uniform standards across all federal law enforcement agencies.
The opposite
Would immigrants be better off under this?-5
The bill restricts the hiring of immigration enforcement officers and limits pay increases for those roles.
Is this likely to create jobs?-3
The bill imposes a hiring freeze on immigration enforcement positions, which limits job growth in that sector.
Does this tighten control of the border?-2
The bill implements a hiring freeze on immigration enforcement officers, which could impact operational capacity.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Public Safety and Professionalism: By requiring rigorous training, such as the Uniformed Police Training Program and the Use of Force Training Program, the bill aims to ensure officers are highly trained in constitutional standards and the protection of life (Section 2; Section 4; Section 5).
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Enhanced Accountability for Misconduct: The establishment and maintenance of the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD) allows for the tracking of terminations, removals, and serious misconduct to prevent unfit individuals from being rehired (Section 8).
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Protection Against Discriminatory Conduct: The bill prohibits the appointment of individuals who have participated in or provided material support for hate groups or organizations that advocate violence or oppression (Section 7).
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Mandatory Use of Force Reporting: Requiring officers to report all use of force incidents to a supervisor ensures that incidents are documented and can be reviewed for compliance with the Constitution and agency policies (Section 8).
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Officer Rights to Legal Relief: Federal law enforcement officers are granted the right to bring civil actions for injunctive or declaratory relief if they are assigned to work under individuals deployed in violation of the Act's standards (Section 9).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Immigration Enforcement Staffing: The bill imposes a hiring freeze on immigration enforcement officers, prohibiting the hiring of new officers to fill vacancies caused by retirement or resignation until specific standards are met (Section 11).
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Limitations on Pay and Bonuses: The Secretary of Homeland Security is prohibited from providing hiring bonuses to applicants or newly hired Federal law enforcement officers (Section 11).
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Impact on Recently Hired Officers: Officers appointed during a specific window must meet new, stricter standards or face removal from law enforcement duties and potential separation from Federal service (Section 10).
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Restrictions on Immigration Officer Pay: The bill prohibits increasing the annual rate of basic pay for immigration enforcement officers beyond the rate in effect at the time of enactment (Section 11).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power+4Improves Due Process+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+7Improves Border Security-2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation-3
- 8/7/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut