HB 2015 was approved by the House on Tuesday night and now heads to the Governor, who has indicated his intent to sign it into law. WR is grateful to the House, Senate, and all stakeholders for advancing this important piece of legislation.
Sponsored by Rep. Deborah Entenman (D-47), HB 2015 establishes a grant program for cities and counties to apply for funding to hire and retain law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders, treatment specialists, and community resource officers. The bill also enables local governments to approve ongoing funding for public safety and criminal justice initiatives.
The next step is for the Legislature to fully fund the grant program in the final Operating Budget, ideally at the Governor’s requested $100 million level. WR strongly supports this effort.
Public safety, retail theft, and organized retail crime remain top priorities for WR and its members. HB 2015 represents a significant, long-term step toward addressing these critical issues.
