LEO MEM. MONUMENT FUND COMM'N.; MEMBERSHIP S.B. 626:
ANALYSIS AS PASSED BY THE SENATE
Senate Bill 626 (as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Senator Kimberly LaSata
Committee: Judiciary and Public Safety
RATIONALE
The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument honors Michigan law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, and recognizes "their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to preserving our safety and, ultimately, our way of life", according to the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial website. The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission is the governing body of the Monument Fund. The Commission consists of the State Treasurer, the Attorney General, and five members appointed by the Governor. It was suggested that the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House of Representatives also be allowed to each appoint a member to the Commission to ensure that the Commission has open communication with the Legislature.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Act to modify the membership of the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument Fund Commission.
Under the Act, the Commission consists of all of the following members: a) the State Treasurer or his or her designee, b) the Attorney General or his or her designee, and c) five members appointed by the Governor as follows:
-- One member who is a police chaplain who has five or more years' experience.
-- One member nominated by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association who is a survivor of a Michigan State Police officer killed while on duty.
-- One member nominated by the executive director of the Michigan Sheriff's Association who is a survivor of an officer of a county sheriff's department killed while on duty.
-- One member nominated by the chief of police of a municipal police department of a municipality with a population of more than 500,000 who is a survivor of an officer of that police department killed while on duty.
-- One member nominated by the executive director of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police who is a survivor of an officer killed while on duty who served with a municipal police department of a municipality with a population of 500,000 or less.
Under the bill, the Commission also would consist of the following members:
-- One member appointed by the Senate Majority Leader.
-- One member appointed by the Speaker of the House.
The bill specifies that the members appointed by the Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of the House of Representatives (in addition to those appointed by the Governor, as currently required) would have to serve a four-year term or until a successor was appointed, whichever was later.
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
The bill would help to ensure that there is open communication between the Commission and the Legislature. It also would help the Commission achieve quorum so that it can carry out business in a timely manner while maintaining a manageable number of commissioners. The Monument is an important symbol of fallen officers for their families, coworkers, and communities to honor their ultimate sacrifice. These added legislative appointees would expand public representation on the Commission.
Legislative Analyst: Stephen P. Jackson
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no significant fiscal impact on State or local government. The Commission is funded through donations and grants from the Federal government as well as nongovernmental organizations and private individuals. Although new members would be eligible to have their actual and necessary expenses reimbursed, the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget would not incur any additional costs as a result.
Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco, Jr.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.