DE HB143

Establishes a $15 additional penalty imposed by courts on criminal, traffic, and delinquent defendants to fund "The Fund to Combat Violent Crimes."

First $2.25 million annually goes to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for violent crime initiatives, including salaries, overtime, equipment, and supplies for State Troopers.

Next $1 million distributed by the Fund to Combat Violent Crimes Committee to local law enforcement agencies for initiatives to combat violent crime, with preference given to gun violence reduction.

Following $1 million distributed to local law enforcement agencies: first $225,000 divided equally among all agencies, remainder distributed proportionally based on number of sworn officers.

Any collected funds exceeding $4.25 million annually deposited into the General Fund; funds must be expended within 12 months or returned to the Fund.