The bill amends Title 44 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a new part titled "Miscellaneous Provisions," specifically establishing Chapter 81, which focuses on the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Program. This program is designed to provide grants to law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities in solving homicides and other violent crimes. The bill outlines the purpose of the program, the application process for grants, and the permissible uses of the funds, which include hiring and training personnel, upgrading technology, and supporting witness cooperation. Additionally, it mandates that grants should supplement existing funding and ensures geographic diversity in grant distribution, particularly reserving funds for rural communities.
The bill also includes provisions for reporting and evaluation of the program. Grant recipients are required to submit annual reports detailing their progress, including case clearance rates and personnel statistics. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is tasked with evaluating the program's effectiveness, assessing its impact, and identifying areas for improvement. The commission must submit annual evaluations to key legislative committees, and it is limited to spending no more than 3% of the appropriated funds on administrative expenses. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.