Pilot program to combat technological abuse

(a) Pilot program authorized (1) In general The Director, in accordance with paragraph (2), shall establish a pilot program under which the Director may award grants to eligible consortia to combat technological abuse. (2) Consultation In preparing to establish the pilot program— (A) the Director shall consult with— (i) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (ii) the Secretary of Education; and (iii) the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission; and (B) the Director and the officers described in subparagraph (A) shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including— (i) groups that work on reducing technological abuse; and (ii) population specific and culturally specific victim service providers. (3) Application An eligible consortium desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such manner, and containing or accompanied by such information, as the Director may reasonably require. (4) Grant limits (A) Award amount A grant awarded under the pilot program shall be in an amount that is not more than $2,000,000. (B) Number of recipients Not more than 15 grants may be awarded under the pilot program. (5) Duration of pilot program The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the first award under the pilot program. (b) Use of grant funds A recipient of a grant under this section may use the amounts received under the grant to combat technological abuse, including for— (1) the purchase of new technological devices for victims and survivors of technological abuse; and (2) any other use, including the provision of victim services, that will reduce technological abuse or assist victims and survivors of technological abuse. (c) Pilot program review (1) During pilot program Not later than 3 years after the date of the first award under the pilot program, the Director shall submit to each committee of Congress with jurisdiction of the activities carried out under the pilot program a report— (A) reviewing the efficacy of the pilot program; (B) indicating challenges to implementation and possible solutions; and (C) including a recommendation relating to whether the pilot program should be turned into a permanent program. (2) After pilot program termination Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program terminates under subsection (a)(5), the Director shall submit to each committee of Congress with jurisdiction of the activities carried out under the pilot program a report reviewing the efficacy of the pilot program, including best practices and improvements needed to combat technological abuse. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.