The proposed bill, SB1640, amends the existing law regarding the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund (GIITEM Fund) by expanding its sources, uses, and receipts. It allows for the inclusion of grants as a source of funding and permits county attorneys to receive funds directly without needing approval from the county board of supervisors. Additionally, the bill broadens the allowable uses of the GIITEM Fund to include prosecuting human smuggling and immigration enforcement, and mandates collaboration with sheriffs in border counties to establish a Southern Arizona Counterterrorism Information Center.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates a total of $4,000,000 over two fiscal years (FY 2025 and FY 2026) from the Consumer Remediation Subaccount to the GIITEM Fund and subsequently to the Department of Public Safety for the establishment and maintenance of the counterterrorism center. The appropriations are exempt from lapsing, ensuring that the allocated funds remain available for their intended purpose. Overall, SB1640 aims to enhance the operational capacity of law enforcement in addressing gang-related and immigration issues in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-1724