1800-S AMS LAW S4853.2

SHB 1800 - S AMD

By Committee on Law & Justice

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 43.330 RCW to read as follows:

    The department shall contract with law enforcement agencies or local jurisdictions with crime stoppers programs for the purpose of making grants for the assistance of local crime stoppers programs.  Grant funds shall be allocated according to guidelines established by the department after consultation with representatives of local crime stoppers programs and law enforcement officials.

    (1) The department shall accept applications for grants from law enforcement agencies or local jurisdictions with crime stoppers programs or from law enforcement agencies or local jurisdictions wishing to start the programs.

    (2) Except when establishing a new program, the department shall determine what matching resources, if any, should be required from those crime stoppers programs seeking grants.

    (3) At least twenty-five percent of the grants given in a biennium must be for training, public awareness efforts, and establishing new programs.

    (4) Grants awarded to local jurisdictions may be used for operating costs of crime stoppers programs.

    (5) Except for newly established programs, grants may not be used for rewards.

    (6) Law enforcement agencies or local jurisdictions may not receive more than one grant per biennium under this chapter.  The grant may be awarded either to start a crime stoppers program or to expand an existing crime stoppers program, but not both.

    (7) For the purposes of this section, "crime stoppers program" means a local nonprofit organization comprised of local law enforcement officials and private citizens that, in cooperation with various news media, generates information about crime to enhance community awareness and generate tips that lead to solving crime, while guaranteeing the anonymity of the caller if requested, and that might offer cash rewards for vital information about a crime.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 43.330 RCW to read as follows:

    The director shall appoint an advisory council to periodically review the crime stoppers program under section 1 of this act and to report to the legislature, not later than January 1st of each year, on the program's administration and its progress in achieving its objectives.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  A new section is added to chapter 43.330 RCW to read as follows:

    To expand community involvement and to stimulate youth awareness, the department may foster the development of student crime stoppers programs around the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1998, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void."

SHB 1800 - S AMD

By Committee on Law & Justice

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "crime;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding new sections to chapter 43.330 RCW; and creating a new section."

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