What does Preamble of AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026 do?

This bill directs the Attorney General to conduct a study on animal cruelty. The bill includes provisions for 'other purposes,' though these are not detailed in this section.

What does SHORT TITLE. of AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Animal Violence Exposes Real Threat of Future Violence Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. “Animal cruelty” is defined as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harming or killing an animal, or neglecting its basic needs. Certain activities are excluded from this definition, including customary veterinary practices, slaughter for food, hunting, medical research, and actions necessary to protect human life. “Eligible entity” includes States, local governments, courts, Indian Tribes, and organizations with a documented history of addressing animal cruelty or its connection to interpersonal violence. Eligible entities can also include organizations working with pets, service animals, or horses, and collaborating with governmental entities. The definition of eligible entity also encompasses organizations providing mental health services, training programs, or services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, or elder abuse.

What does STUDY ON ANIMAL CRUELTY, UNDERLYING FACTORS, AND FUTURE ACTS OF of AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates a study by the Attorney General, through the Director of the National Institute of Justice, on animal cruelty and its connection to human violence. The study must examine factors contributing to animal cruelty and analyze whether such cruelty predicts future violence against humans. The study's content includes reviewing risk factors, correlating specific acts of animal cruelty with those factors, and assessing the likelihood of animal cruelty leading to violence against humans. The study will also identify types of human violence commonly associated with animal cruelty, such as domestic violence and assault. The Director must develop best practices for early interventions to prevent animal cruelty and interventions for offenders to prevent future violence. The Director is required to submit a report with policy recommendations for federal, state, and local action to address risk factors and develop interventions for offenders. Recommendations should focus on reducing the likelihood of offenders committing future violent acts against both humans and animals.

What does STOP FUTURE VIOLENCE GRANT PROGRAM. of AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a grant program authorized by the Attorney General. The program aims to assist eligible entities in developing strategies to detect and prevent animal cruelty. Funds can be used for personnel, training, technical assistance, data collection, and mental/behavioral health treatment related to animal cruelty cases. The program supports apprehending, prosecuting, and adjudicating individuals who commit animal cruelty. Grant funds can be used to train law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, and mental health professionals to identify and respond to animal cruelty. The program supports the development of specialized units addressing animal cruelty within law enforcement, courts, and prosecution. Funds can be used to create effective policies and services for preventing and responding to animal cruelty. The program facilitates the development of data collection and communication systems to track animal cruelty cases.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations totaling $2,000,000 for carrying out section 3. An additional $2,000,000 is authorized for carrying out section 4. Both appropriations are to remain available until expended.

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AVERT Future Violence Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/19/2026 · Introduced: 5/19/2026

Author: Gary Peters (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill directs the Attorney General to conduct a study examining the connection between animal cruelty and human violence, including identifying risk factors and potential interventions.
It establishes a grant program to assist eligible entities in preventing animal cruelty by funding training, data collection, and mental health services.
The bill authorizes a total of $4,000,000 in appropriations—$2,000,000 for the study and $2,000,000 for the grant program—to be available until expended.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8911(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

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