Bill > S00996

This bill directs the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services to establish the Safer Communities Grant Program, which will provide financial support to local law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial entities to improve investigation and prosecution of serious violent crimes, specifically homicides, rapes, sexual assaults, kidnappings, and non-fatal shootings. The program will award grants to eligible entities to enhance their ability to solve these cases by supporting activities like retaining and hiring detectives, developing investigative policies and training, improving victim services, acquiring forensic technology, and analyzing crime trends. Grants will be available for up to 100% of project costs before March 31, 2036, and 50% thereafter. Grant recipients must submit annual reports detailing their activities, including information about detective hiring, training, technology upgrades, clearance rates, and victim services. The division is required to conduct biennial evaluations of the program's effectiveness and report the findings to the state legislature. The bill appropriates $30 million annually from 2026 to 2036 to fund the grant program, with the goal of improving law enforcement's ability to solve violent crimes and support victims.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S996