Bipartisan legislation providing additional, dedicated funding to local law enforcement was introduced in the House this week. The plan would fund public safety initiatives, such as officer recruitment and retention, equipment purchases, and department operating expenses.
Key Points:
-
- House Bills 4260 and 4261 were introduced by Representative Mike Harris (R-Clarkston) and Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn).
- The plan creates a Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund.
- A portion of state sales tax revenue would be deposited into the fund.
- Of the first $75 million in the fund, 96% would be allocated to public safety efforts in cities, villages, and townships initially based on violent crime rates, with future funding levels calculated based on results.
- The plan would also provide 2% to the Crime Victim’s Rights Fund and 2% for grants to public health programs intended to prevent community violence.
- Resources beyond $75 million would be distributed to county sheriff’s offices.
Next Steps:
-
- The legislation was referred to the House Government Operations Committee for consideration.
A similar plan passed both the House and Senate last term, but the chambers didn’t approve identical versions, so the plan didn’t reach the governor’s desk.
