BILL ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
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| |SB 1936 (Schiff) |
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|Hearing Date: 5/25/00 |Amended: 5/3/00 |
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|Consultant: Lisa Matocq |Policy Vote: Pub Saf 4-1 |
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BILL SUMMARY: SB 1936 extends the sunset on the Citizens
Option for Public Safety (COPS) Program from July 1, 2000
to July 1, 2002, as specified, and makes related changes.
Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2000-01 2001-02
2002-03 Fund
COPS $100,000+* $100,000+ unknown
General
*The Senate version of the budget contains $121 million
STAFF COMMENTS: SUSPENSE FILE. Under current law, until
July 1, 2000, the COPS program allocates state funds to
cities and counties, based on population, to supplement
local law enforcement. $100 million has been appropriated
annually for this purpose since 1996-97. Among other
things, this bill:
declares the Legislature's intent that at least $100
million be appropriated in 2000-01 and 2001-02 for the
COPS program, and provides that these funds shall include
specified allocations,
adds juvenile justice programs to the definition of
"front line law enforcement services" which already
includes antigang and community crime prevention
programs,
requires the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) to report
to the Legislature by March 1 of each year on
expenditures made by law enforcement agencies and on the
effects of such expenditures on public safety,
requires that unspent COPS funds be returned to the
Controller for deposit into the General Fund, as
specified,
requires cities/counties to forfeit their COPS
allocations if they fail to submit required reports, as
specified, and
requires the Controller to make available to the
Governor, the Legislature, and the LAO copies of
summarized accounting reports.
In its Analysis of the 2000-01 Budget, the LAO recommended
increased accountability and oversight of the COPS program.
The Senate version of the Budget contains $121.3 million
for the COPS program (which includes a $100,000 allocation
to all agencies, regardless of size, to encourage the
hiring of additional police officers). LAO estimates minor
costs. The Controller's Office is working on cost
estimates.
SB 1605 (Poochigian), awaiting action in the Senate Public
Safety Committee, extends the COPS program
indefinitely and states the Legislature's intent that $250
million be appropriated each year.