Bill > S524

This bill establishes the Community Safety Partnership Act, which creates a comprehensive framework to enhance public safety through community engagement and incentives for both residents and law enforcement officers. The legislation creates a new Community Safety Partnership Fund and a Competitive Grant Program that will provide up to $100,000 in grants to county and municipal governments and nonprofit organizations for community safety projects like improved street lighting, security cameras, and community alert systems. The bill also introduces a digital tracking system to record attendance at neighborhood watch meetings, with incentives for participants: residents who attend at least 10 approved community safety meetings can receive a $500 tax credit, while law enforcement officers who attend 10-20 meetings can receive bonuses ranging from $1,500 to $2,000. A new eight-member Community Safety Partnership Commission will be established to oversee the program's implementation and provide annual transparency reports. The bill appropriates $500,000 in recurring funds for the program, with an effective date of July 1, 2026, and aims to improve community-police relations by encouraging active participation in neighborhood safety efforts through financial and recognition-based motivations.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S524