|
BILL # HB 2446 |
TITLE: smart and safe fund; distribution |
|
SPONSOR: Martinez |
STATUS: As amended by House COM |
|
PREPARED BY: Nate Belcher |
|
The bill would amend the distribution of Smart and Safe Arizona Fund (SSAF) monies to include joint powers authorities (JPA). This funding would come from the monies currently allocated by the fund to municipal police and fire departments, fire districts, and county sheriffs. The bill would be effective retroactively to January 1, 2021.
Estimated Impact
The bill would not change the amount of SSAF monies distributed to municipal police and fire departments, fire districts, and county sheriffs as JPAs already receive SSAF distributions.
The SSAF receives monies from a 16% excise tax on recreational marijuana products and from penalties imposed on businesses that have been found in violation of state marijuana regulations. A.R.S. § 36-2856D2 requires the Treasurer to distribute 31.4% of these monies to municipal police and fire departments, fire districts, and county sheriffs' departments in proportion to the number of Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) members employed at each agency. The bill would add JPAs to the list of recipients.
A JPA is a legal entity in which 2 or more public authorities pool personnel, equipment, facilities and daily operations while maintaining their individual control over their budget. According to the Treasurer, there are currently 2 JPAs with PSPRS members. While not specifically included as recipients in statute, under current practice the Treasurer already includes JPAs in SSAF distributions.
2/17/23