What Can the Legislature do to Implement the Federal Crime Bill?
The federal crime bill contains provisions that could benefit the state and local governments. The bill provides programmatic opportunities to the state and local governments and community-based organizations, but also has significant fiscal consequences beyond the receipt of new federal funds. Although the state and local entities stand to receive millions of dollars for crime suppression and prevention programs, the measure will likely add fiscal pressure on the Legislature and local governments (especially counties) in two ways: • First, to fund additional costs for the criminal justice system in program areas (such as, courts) that will not receive funding under the bill, and • Second to finance the long-term costs of personnel and programs initiated by the bill after the federal funds run out. Even though the state’s role in the crime bill is relatively minor in many areas, given the opportunities and potential fiscal consequences, we believe that the Legislature and Governor shou
