State bill pressures SLC to partner with state on homelessness, drug policing
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A bill pushing Salt Lake City to enter into an agreement with the Utah Department of Public Safety for certain policing issues emerged this week.
The big picture: HB 465, sponsored by House Majority Assistant Whip Casey Snider (R-Paradise), would essentially pressure cities with a population of more than 100,000 to enter into an agreement with the state to target homeless encampments and large-scale drug distribution.
- If a city doesn't comply, the state would restrict its funding for homelessness prevention efforts and roads.
Between the lines: Salt Lake City, the only Utah city with a major homelessness crisis, will evidently be the hardest hit if the bill passes.
Catch up quick: The bill's introduction comes after state legislative leaders sent a December letter to Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, accusing the city's police department of being ineffective at curbing crime and homelessness and threatening state intervention.
- As a result, Mendenhall unveiled a lengthy public safety plan last month calling for collective action between municipal, county and state leaders.
What they're saying: In a statement, a spokesperson for Mendenhall said "we don't believe the legislation is required."
- "It will take a coordinated approach to achieve the results we all desire," the statement reads. "We appreciate Rep. Snider's invitation to collaborate on this bill and look forward to continuing those discussions."
- The bill "aims to support the city — and other large cities — to address public safety and formalize partnerships that benefit our communities and our state," Snider said in a statement.
What's next: If the city doesn't sign on to an agreement by July 1, the state will reduce funding from the Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation Restricted Account for the city, per the bill.
- If a deal isn't reached by Oct. 1, the Utah Department of Transportation would withhold certain road funds from the city.