Bill > HB1445

This bill establishes a law enforcement officer recruitment fund and a grant program to help eligible law enforcement agencies, defined as those with at least 10% of their officer positions vacant, attract new officers. The Department of Finance and Administration, through its Office of Criminal Justice Programs, will manage this fund and set up procedures for agencies to apply for grants, including requirements for applications, how grant amounts and eligible expenses are determined, and how agencies receiving funds must report on their use to ensure accountability and measure success. Funds from this special account within the state general fund can only be used for officer recruitment, and the department can accept additional public or private gifts and grants for the fund. The state treasurer will invest the money in the fund, and any unspent money will carry over to the next fiscal year. The department will create necessary rules for this program, and importantly, this bill does not automatically provide funding; any money spent or obligated under this act requires a specific appropriation from the general appropriations act. The act will become effective on July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1445&ga=114