Committee considers expanding state police equipment fund to include firearms purchases

Staff member presented a proposed change to the state police equipment fund that would expand allowable uses to include firearms purchases and allow proceeds from any sale of firearms to remain in the fund.

“This would make the purchase of firearms, allow the use of that fund, and also retain the proceeds of any sale of firearms in that fund,” the staff member said while describing the committee update to the House and GovRec language. Committee members were asked if they were comfortable with the proposed expansion.

Members did not move to adopt the change during the meeting and asked clarifying questions about the scope and intent; staff said they would incorporate any requested language changes in a revised bill to be circulated before the next meeting.

Because the amendment changes permitted uses of a designated equipment fund, committee staff said they would ensure the revised language specifies retention of proceeds and any reporting requirements tied to purchases or sales.