This bill extends and expands a long-running federal crime-fighting program called Project Safe Neighborhoods. Since 2001, this program has brought together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies along with prosecutors and community leaders to tackle violent crime in their areas by working together on shared strategies.

The bill makes several practical updates to how the program operates. It extends federal funding for the program through 2030 (previously it was set to expire after 2021). It also expands what law enforcement agencies can use grant money for—adding three new options: hiring crime analysts to study crime patterns and develop strategies, paying overtime costs for police officers and prosecutors working on violent crime reduction, and buying technology tools to help fight violent crime. The bill also creates a new task force support component, allowing money to go toward multi-jurisdictional task forces that work across different police departments and counties.

Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General to report annually to Congress about how each area is spending these federal dollars, what community outreach efforts they're doing, and what violent crime trends they're seeing. This helps ensure the program is being used effectively and holds communities accountable for results. The bill is named in honor of Officer Ella Grace French and Sergeant Jim Smith, suggesting it was inspired by their service or sacrifice in law enforcement.