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Committee advances police retention bonus bill, debates scope for small and correction agencies
Summary
The Workforce Development Committee voted to give House Bill 1193 a "do pass" and refer it to Appropriations after discussion over whether the program should fund hiring as well as retention and whether corrections officers should be eligible. Members debated earmarks for departments with 10 or fewer officers and the size of the appropriation.
The Workforce Development Committee voted to give House Bill 1193 a do-pass recommendation and referred the bill to the Appropriations Committee after debate over eligibility and funding details.
Committee members focused on whether the program should remain a retention-only bonus or include hiring incentives and whether corrections officers should be eligible. Committee Chair Senator Wabamaw and several members noted the bill earmarks a minimum amount for agencies with 10 or fewer officers, while other members said smaller jurisdictions face greater recruiting and retention challenges.
Senators described the bill as a follow-up to a previous "Back to Blue" effort. Members said the proposed appropriation had been reduced in prior action; some discussion noted the sponsor initially sought larger funding. Several senators urged flexibility for local agencies to use funds for recruitment as well as retention. One committee member said testimony from earlier rounds was mixed and urged better data on whether the earlier, one-time funding achieved measurable retention or hiring outcomes.
After discussion the committee voted unanimously to move the bill forward to Appropriations.
Votes at a glance: The roll call recorded the committee voting yes: Senator Wabamaw; Senator Axman; Senator Larson; Senator Bosche; Senator Powers. The motion passed and HB 1193 was referred to Appropriations.
