NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to SB 678 and HB 28

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill creates the law enforcement training center fund.

Significant Issues

This fund is needed to address local and state law enforcement training needs and eliminate the revenue requirement currently placed upon the training and recruiting division. Virtually all law enforcement agencies in the state need assistance with in-service training. Training is expensive and most agencies across the state do not have adequate training budgets for their officers to attend the statutorily mandated in-service training. Establishing this fund would allow the training and recruiting division to offer high quality training throughout the state on a regular basis at no cost the participants.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

According to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), if properly funded, this bill may reduce or even eliminate the revenue requirement currently placed upon the training and recruiting division. This bill would require legislative approval to spend from the fund and removes Budget Adjustment Authority. In addition, the DPS Safety will realize a positive impact as three divisions currently attend in-service training. There is no revenue provided to this fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

DPS reports this should not affect the time needed to coordinate statewide training programs. It is something that is currently done.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

DPS reports a funding source is needed (see substantive issues below). One source to consider is the current yearly reversion of the balance of the law enforcement protection fund. The fund is collected from insurance premiums under the pretext of going to support New Mexico law enforcement, which a portion does. A supplemental source would be the revenue generated from room and board at the academy, as well as other fees.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

This bill does not specify an appropriation or where the monies for the fund would derive.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

DPS reports there is neither an appropriation nor a funding source identified to put money into the law enforcement training center fund. A regular funding source is needed to adequately address the training needs of the law enforcement officers in New Mexico. The yearly reversion of over $1 million dollars from the law enforcement protection fund would be more than adequate to fund the law enforcement training center fund. In addition, it may also assist in paying for the Phase II of the Law Enforcement Training Center dormitories. Also, the quality, quantity, and availability of law enforcement training in New Mexico will continue to diminish due to decreasing operational budgets.

DPS requests Budget Adjustment Authority be granted to allow for uninterrupted training of local and state law enforcement personnel. Also, increase the general fund appropriation and remove the revenue requirement from the Training and Recruiting Division.

DPS suggests having the Law Enforcement Protection Fund reversion, which currently goes to the general fund, revert to the Law Enforcement Training Center Fund.

LAT/gm