Safe Interactions Act of 2023

HR 3550, the Safe Interactions Act of 2023, authorizes $100 million annually (2023-2026) to fund competitive grants for nonprofit disability organizations to train law enforcement officers on interacting with people with disabilities and older adults with cognitive impairments. The bill requires grantees to develop training programs that include at least 8 hours of initial training for new officers and 4 hours annually for existing officers, covering communication strategies, de-escalation techniques, disability awareness, and community resources. These programs must involve covered individuals (people with disabilities or older adults with cognitive issues) as instructors or advisors and be implemented through partnerships with law enforcement agencies. The training aims to reduce violent encounters between officers and covered individuals by improving officers’ understanding of disability-related needs and civil rights protections.