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Committee gives mixed reception to $1 million appropriation for Yavapai intelligence center
Summary
The House Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee gave SB 14-97 a due-pass recommendation for a $1 million appropriation to establish a criminal intelligence analysis coordination center led by the Yavapai County Sheriff.
The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement recommended SB 14-97, a bill that would appropriate $1,000,000 from the State General Fund in FY 2026 to the State Treasurer for distribution to a Yavapai County sheriff's office–led criminal information analysis coordination center aimed at intercepting human trafficking and drug shipments from transnational cartels.
Senator Finchem, the sponsor, described drug and child trafficking routes through northern Arizona and said local agencies north of New River lack the intelligence-processing capacity found in other parts of the state. "When we are able to capture information and build an intelligence profile... you are able to focus in on that thing," Finchem said, arguing the center would damage criminal networks.
Committee members asked whether the proposed center would be a fusion center and whether federal agencies would participate. Finchem said it would operate as a fusion-like center and might attract Department of Homeland Security participation once mature.
Some members expressed reservations about fusion centers and voted present or no, while others supported funding for local law enforcement capacity. After roll call and a subsequent change, the committee recorded 7 ayes, 6 nays and 2 absent and gave SB 14-97 a due-pass recommendation.
