House Engrossed

appropriation; border; law enforcement; prosecution

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

2023

HOUSE BILL 2704

An Act

amending title 41, chapter 12, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 41-1735; appropriating monies; relating to the department of public safety.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 41, chapter 12, article 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 41-1735, to read:

START_STATUTE41-1735. Exploitation at the border fund

The exploitation at the border fund is established consisting of legislative appropriations. The department shall administer the fund. monies in the fund are CONTINUOUSLY appropriated. The department shall distribute monies in the fund to sheriffs and other local law enforcement agencies in border counties for the following purposes:

1. To pay for Costs associated with prosecuting and detaining individuals who are charged with drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal immigration and other border-related crimes.

2. to fund sworn peace officers who are engaged in any of the following ACTIVities:

(a) DISRUPTING and dismantling transitional criminal organizations.

(b) Increasing collaboration across state lines to address criminal border activity.

(c) Improving intelligence.

(d) Investing in the analysis of border-related crossings and crimes.

(e) Combating human smuggling.

(f) Combating drug trafficking. END_STATUTE

Sec. 2. Appropriation; exploitation at the border fund; exemption

A. The sum of $43,000,000 is appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the exploitation at the border fund established by section 41-1735, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act.

B. The appropriation made in subsection A of this section is exempt from the provisions of section 35-190, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to lapsing of appropriations.

Sec. 3. Short title

This act may be cited as the "Securing Arizona Families From Exploitation At The Border Act".