Wisconsin Assembly Bill AJR15

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Creation of a police and fire fund, and deposit of moneys into the police and fire fund (first consideration).

Impact

If AJR15 is enacted, it would not only require a restructuring of how revenue from these protection fees is utilized but also create a more transparent channel for funding emergency services. Currently, most of the revenue from the police and fire protection fund supports county and municipal aid payments. By stipulating that these funds be solely dedicated to updating 911 service infrastructure, the amendment aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses across the state. This could lead to better-resourced emergency services, which may improve public safety outcomes.

Summary

AJR15 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a dedicated police and fire fund. The bill requires that all revenues collected from a police and fire protection fee, which is imposed on subscribers of active retail communications services, must be allocated solely for expenses related to updating 911 service infrastructure. This includes technological enhancements needed for emergency response services, ensuring that these funds fortify public safety rather than being diverted to other areas of spending. The amendment emphasizes the state's commitment to improving emergency services and the infrastructure that supports them.

Contention

While supporters of AJR15 argue that this amendment will ensure that funds are used in a manner that directly benefits public safety, there are concerns regarding its implementation and oversight. Critics might argue that defining specific uses for these funds could limit flexibility in addressing the diverse needs of local jurisdictions. The requirement that these funds cannot be used for overhead or staffing costs could also bring challenges to how emergency services are managed and staffed, raising questions about the adequacy of resources allocated to frontline services.