Amendment #19 to H55

Commission to study the funding structure of Sheriff's Departments

Ms. Andrews of Orange moves to amend the bill adding the following section:

SECTION XX. (a) There shall be a special commission to study the funding structure of sheriff’s departments. The commission shall review trends in appropriation for the past ten years, sources of funding, capital and operational management, as well as projected needs.  The commission shall make recommendations to ensure that the annual appropriation by the legislature is sufficient to provide for the integral role that sheriffs play in the criminal justice system and inmates’ successful re-entry into the community.

(b) The commission shall be comprised of the following 16 members: the secretary of administration and finance, or his designee, who shall serve as chair; the secretary of public safety and security, or her designee; the commissioner of corrections; the state auditor or her designee; the chair of the senate committee on ways and means; the chair of the house committee on ways and means; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on revenue; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on state administration and regulatory oversight; and 6 persons appointed by the governor who shall have an expertise in budgeting and management, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association;1 of whom shall be a representative from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation; 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management; and 2 of whom shall be sheriffs.

(c) The commission shall hold its first meeting within 30 days after passage of this act. The commission shall file a report detailing its work and findings, including any legislative recommendations, with the clerks of the house of representative and the senate not later than March 31, 2013.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #19 to H55

Commission to study the funding structure of Sheriff's Departments