SB 23-257

Senate Bill 23-257, also known as the Auto Theft Prevention Cash Fund, aims to combat auto theft in Colorado by providing grants for various programs. These programs include prevention efforts, law enforcement support, victim assistance, and technology upgrades. The bill allocates $5 million from the state's general fund into a new cash fund dedicated to these initiatives. This money will be used to enhance awareness about car thefts, provide support for victims, increase police overtime, create specialized prosecution programs, and improve tracking systems. Since Governor Jared Polis signed this bill on June 2, 2023, it is now law and its provisions are in effect.

Official Summary

The automobile theft prevention board (board) awards grants to eligible entities for programs for theft prevention, enforcement, prosecution, or offender rehabilitation. The act specifies that the board may also award grants for programs to support victims of automobile theft and technology enhancement. Money in the auto theft prevention cash fund (fund) is annually appropriated to the department of public safety (department) to implement the automobile theft prevention grant program. The fund consists of gifts, grants, and donations and any money credited to the fund from the collection of fees paid by certain automobile insurers to support the automobile theft prevention authority. The act specifies that the fund also consists of any money that the general assembly may appropriate or transfer to the fund. The act requires the state treasurer to transfer $5 million from the general fund to the fund on July 1, 2023, to be used for the following purposes: Implementing a statewide program to increase awareness of automobile theft; Implementing programs to support victims of automobile theft; Additional overtime for law enforcement agencies; Implementing a dedicated automobile theft prosecution program; Enhancing and upgrading the automobile theft tracking and reporting system; or Any other direct or indirect costs associated with the implementation of the automobile theft prevention grant program. APPROVED by Governor June 2, 2023 EFFECTIVE June 2, 2023 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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