If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes regarding the Parity Compensation Fund and the reporting requirements for law enforcement personnel compensation. Specifically, it would require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to establish and consider benchmarks based on the average total compensation of law enforcement personnel from its three largest peer agencies in Arizona when determining expenditures from the Fund. Additionally, the bill mandates that the most recent benchmarks be included in the annual report on state personnel, which is currently required by the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA).

The bill also modifies the management of the Parity Compensation Fund by removing the requirement for DPS to consider state revenues and employee pay adjustments when spending Fund monies. It clarifies that the Fund's monies are continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing provisions, thus ensuring that they are available for law enforcement personnel salaries and benefits aimed at enhancing recruitment and retention efforts. The definition of "total compensation" is expanded to include various forms of pay and employer contributions, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of law enforcement compensation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-751, 41-1720
House Engrossed Version: 41-751, 41-1720