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Homeland Security Block Grant Act of 2003

Introduced: January 7, 2003 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jan 7, 2003
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.
Jan 7, 2003
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S73-74)
Jan 7, 2003
Introduced in Senate
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Homeland Security Block Grant Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to make homeland security block grants to States, local governments, and Indian tribes.

Requires grantees to: (1) prepare a statement of homeland security objectives and projected fund use; (2) provide the Secretary with specified certifications regarding a homeland security plan, activities, and identified needs; and (3) submit to the Secretary a performance and evaluation report concerning the use of funds and the relationship of such use to objectives.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage and assist national associations of eligible grantees, States, and local governments in non-qualifying areas to develop and recommend uniform record-keeping, performance reporting, evaluation reporting, and auditing requirements; (2) establish uniform reporting requirements; and (3) conduct reviews and audits of grantee performance and transactions at least annually.

Includes as activities eligible for assistance: (1) funding additional law enforcement, fire, and emergency resources and purchasing equipment; (2) improving cyber and infrastructure security; (3) assisting Local Emergency Planning Committees in improving disaster response systems; (4) assisting communities in coordinating responses to terrorist attacks; (5) establishing timely notification systems between communities; (6) improving public communication systems; and (7) devising, evaluating progress on, and implementing a homeland security plan. Provides that grants may be used to cover costs incurred for eligible activities on or after September 11, 2001.

Sets forth provisions regarding allocation and distribution of funds and matching requirements. Earmarks specified sums for Indian tribes, metropolitan cities and urban counties, States, regional cooperation, and local communities. Mandates nondiscrimination in programs and activities. Sets forth remedies for noncompliance with Act requirements.

What's happening now January 7, 2003

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1