INVESTING IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

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View NCGA Bill Details2021
Senate Bill 566 (Public) Filed Tuesday, April 6, 2021
AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN POLICIES AND STANDARDS SURROUNDING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS.
Intro. by Batch, Garrett, deViere.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate action) (Apr 7 2021)

Bill History:

S 566

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Apr 7 2021 - View Summary

    Part I.

    Appropriates $250,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2021-23 biennium from the General Fund to the NC Justice Academy (Academy) by providing more opportunities for law enforcement agencies to attend courses and trainings. 

    Appropriates $250,000 for each year of the 2021-23 biennium from the General Fund to the Academy to expand the ability to offer online courses.

    Effective July 1, 2021.

    Part II. 

    Requires the Academy and the Community College System to develop a memorandum of understanding to allow community colleges to provide training and education to those individuals trained and educated by the Academy. Requires the MOU to be submitted to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety by October 1, 2021.

    Part III.

    Appropriates $250,000 in recurring funds for each year of the 2021-23 biennium from the General Fund to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to further develop, maintain, and staff the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. Effective July 1, 2021.

    Part IV.

    Amends GS 17C-20 to open up eligibility for the Criminal Justice Fellows Program (Program) to all counties (was, tier one counties with a population of less than 125,000).

    Amends GS 17C-22 to expand upon the Program's purpose to also include forgivable loans for obtaining a Bachelor's Degree or a NC Basic Law Enforcement Training Program certificate of completion. Sets out requirements for recipients of loans for these degrees and certificates, including employment requirements post graduation. Makes conforming changes. Amends GS 17C-23 by making conforming changes to loan terms and disbursement of funds. Gives recipients up to 120 months to repay all funds distributed, including interest, received in pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree and 60 months for those in pursuit of a Basic Law Enforcement Training Program certificate of completion. 

    Part V.

    Amends GS 15A-401 to require the State's law enforcement agencies to designate specially trained law enforcement officers to be a part of an agency Crisis Intervention Team that is trained in determining  whether a person is experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis and what methods are available to de-escalate or otherwise safely engage in interactions with the person. Requires the establishment of the team by December 1, 2023, in order to remain eligible for Governor's Crime Commission grants. 

    Appropriates $250 million from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to DOJ for grants for the Crisis Intervention Team training. Effective July 1, 2021.

    Part VI.

    Includes a severability clause.