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Senate approves new distribution formula for criminal surcharges
Summary
SB 73 changes how criminal surcharge revenues are allocated to programs such as EMS training, victim services and DUI rehabilitation; sponsors said the change moves to percentage allocations and was negotiated among stakeholders. The Senate passed the bill and placed it on third reading.
Senate Bill 73, which revises the distribution of criminal surcharges that finance emergency medical services, victim assistance and related programs, passed the Senate after extended floor discussion about allocation mechanics and fiscal notes.
Sen. Lyle Hilliard described the bill as the culmination of a decade of work: surcharges first funded POST training in 1983 and later were expanded to support EMS training and other programs. Hilliard said the proposal moves some line‑item dollar guarantees to percentage allocations and provides a clearer, more consistent distribution mechanism. He told senators the fiscal note shows a $1.6 million difference arising from how current law moves funds into the general fund and back, but that the bill itself does not create new spending—it reallocates existing receipts.
Sen. McAllister and others asked for clarification on projected numbers; committee materials and handouts were cited as the best source for the breakout. Hilliard said the victim portion would generate roughly $2.8 million under the proposed formula and that DUI rehabilitation was projected to receive 7.5% (roughly $525,000 projected next year).
Floor debate touched on guarantees previously provided to specific programs and whether percentage allocations would create winners and losers; proponents said affected programs were consulted and accepted the compromise. The recorded vote shows the bill passed with a recorded majority (transcript lines record 23 ayes and a small number of nays/absences depending on the roll call). The bill will be placed on the third‑reading calendar and proceed to the House.
