Kean Introduces Legislation to Protect Local Taxpayers from Bearing Costs of Federal Law Enforcement Facilities

(February 23, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026, federal legislation to ensure that local taxpayers and municipalities like Roxbury, New Jersey, are not left shouldering the costs associated with hosting federal law enforcement processing or detention facilities.

The bill would create a dedicated federal grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to offset the real costs townships face when physical facilities are maintained or under development in their communities. Under the bill, municipalities can apply for funding for covered expenses, such as lost property tax revenue, increased demand on public utilities, and infrastructure upgrades needed to support expanded capacity.

"Federal agencies operate in all 50 states, and law enforcement agencies have a particularly important job, one that often demands a higher level of resources," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. "Local taxpayers cannot be expected to foot the bill for federal facilities, and towns like Roxbury should not have to absorb the costs."

Kean continued, "My legislation would ensure that law enforcement facilities in New Jersey and across the country can operate self-sufficiently without straining municipal utilities, resources, or local budgets. I have heard directly from communities in our district, and I am fighting to make sure they are fully protected from bearing costs that are not theirs to carry, while also ensuring community safety and enforcement of our nation's laws."

Specifically, the Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026 would establish a new grant program through DHS for municipalities hosting law enforcement processing or detention facilities, including those currently under development. Federal funding can be used to compensate for unrealized property tax revenue, as well as public utilities expenses and infrastructure upgrades (including water, gas, natural gas, electricity, internet connectivity, garbage collection, recycling, and sewer systems). The grant provides a five-year funding authorization with the ability for municipalities to apply for renewal for the duration of facility operations.