Substitute Senate Bill No. 1489 proposes the establishment of regional police forces by allowing two or more municipalities, each with populations of 50,000 or less, to combine their police departments. Effective July 1, 2025, municipalities interested in forming a regional police force must submit an application to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, outlining the proposed structure, financial plans, and public safety measures during the transition. The bill mandates the creation of a regional police authority, which will consist of representatives from each member municipality and will oversee policy decisions, budget approvals, and operational priorities, including holding annual public hearings to review performance. Additionally, member municipalities will share liability for the actions of the regional police force and jointly cover the cost of liability insurance based on population.

The bill also introduces a regional police force incentive grant program, effective for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to provide financial support for municipalities involved in establishing and operating regional police forces. The Commissioner will develop guidelines and eligibility criteria for the grant program, prioritizing municipalities with populations under 30,000. This initiative is expected to incur significant costs for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection while potentially generating revenue gains for eligible municipalities. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety through collaborative policing efforts while addressing the financial implications of such transitions.