No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section expands the definition of Department property under 38 USC 901 to include land and buildings occupied by or under Department custody or control, leased by or on behalf of the Department, leased by the Department to other entities (including enhanced-use leases), and the immediately surrounding areas. It requires the Secretary to seek memoranda of understanding with local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies to facilitate Department police authority on such property. It expands Department police officer authorities to protect veterans, employees, and property, ensure facility security and operational continuity, and exercise those authorities off Department property when necessary to protect officials or property, in hot pursuit, or under a written agreement. It directs the Secretary to implement facility security measures including access controls, surveillance, rapid response protocols, and interagency coordination. It requires the Secretary to provide policies, arrest and use-of-force data, and briefings to the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees upon request and to submit an annual report on staffing, capability gaps, training, and enforcement activity. It establishes the Veterans Affairs Police and Security Operations Account, authorizes appropriations for officer employment and training, security infrastructure, and interagency coordination, and sunsets the account after three years. It requires implementing regulations within 180 days and a GAO report within two years evaluating the authorities, coordination, training, and recommendations for continuation or modification.