An Arizona House panel passed a measure that would annually increase the budget for police and sheriffs to align with inflation and population. If communities failed to provide adequate funding, money could be withheld by the state treasurer.
The bill is tied to a concurrent measure that would amend the state constitution to put in new spending requirements. That would need to be approved by voters on November’s ballot.
Rep. Walt Blackman says the bill comes after calls to remove funding from law enforcement in communities around the country.
"This bill allows our law enforcement officers to keep our community safe by not defunding police," Blackman said.
Blackman linked the issue to a recent shooting that injured nine police officers last Friday. While no representatives spoke against the measure, there are concerns that smaller communities would have to cut money from other services.
