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Troopers press for $30 million career plan and more vehicle funding as staffing lags
Summary
The PBA Highway Patrol chapter told the committee that recent raises have not halted trooper departures and urged a $30 million career development plan, veteran stipends, relaxed grooming rules for veterans and funds to replace high‑mileage patrol vehicles.
William Smith, representing the Police Benevolent Association’s Highway Patrol chapter, told the committee troopers remain underpaid and understaffed despite last year’s across‑the‑board increases. He said the union seeks a structured career development plan requiring multiyear funding — the PBA requested $30 million — and argued the roughly $11.6 million referenced in agency proposals is insufficient to meet the need.
Smith also urged a $200 monthly veteran stipend (non‑pensionable), changes to grooming and tattoo policies so veterans are not disadvantaged, and additional funding for replacement patrol vehicles, saying some cars exceed 200,000 miles and are no longer safe. He framed the proposals as necessary to retain troopers and maintain public safety while acknowledging appreciation for last session’s pay increases.
Matimore (DMS) told the committee a sworn‑officer career development plan is included in the proposal at $11,576,190; the hearing did not reconcile the difference between that sum and the union’s $30 million request.
