The proposed bill aims to establish the "Police Partnering With Communities Act" in West Virginia, which includes legislative findings emphasizing the relationship between violence and economically distressed neighborhoods. The bill defines "distressed areas" as low-income regions with higher-than-average crime rates and outlines the importance of police officers living in these communities to foster better relationships and mitigate violence.

To support this initiative, the bill creates the "Police Partnering With Communities Fund" within the West Virginia State Treasurer's office. This fund will reimburse police officers for their housing costs if they choose to reside in designated distressed areas. Officers must provide proof of residency and employment to qualify for reimbursement. The fund's implementation is contingent upon separate appropriations, and the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-29-16