Fiscal Note
BILL # HB 2446 TITLE: smart and safe fund; distribution
SPONSOR: Martinez STATUS: As amended by House COM
PREPARED BY: Nate Belcher
Description
The bill would amend the distribution of Smart and Safe Arizona Fund (SSAF) monies to include joint powers authorities
(JPA). This funding would come from the monies currently allocated by the fund to municipal police and fire
departments, fire districts, and county sheriffs. The bill would be effective retroactively to January 1, 2021.
Estimated Impact
The bill would not change the amount of SSAF monies distributed to municipal police and fire departments, fire districts,
and county sheriffs as JPAs already receive SSAF distributions.
Analysis
The SSAF receives monies from a 16% excise tax on recreational marijuana products and from penalties imposed on
businesses that have been found in violation of state marijuana regulations. A.R.S. ยง 36-2856D2 requires the Treasurer to
distribute 31.4% of these monies to municipal police and fire departments, fire districts, and county sheriffs' departments
in proportion to the number of Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) members employed at each agency.
The bill would add JPAs to the list of recipients.
A JPA is a legal entity in which 2 or more public authorities pool personnel, equipment, facilities and daily operations
while maintaining their individual control over their budget. According to the Treasurer, there are currently 2 JPAs with
PSPRS members. While not specifically included as recipients in statute, under current practice the Treasurer already
includes JPAs in SSAF distributions.
2/17/23