ATLANTA (February 10, 2022) | Today Lt. Governor Duncan’s “LESS” (Law Enforcement Strategic Support) Crime Act passed the Senate with unanimous support. The “LESS Crime Act” establishes a new funding avenue for local law enforcement agencies through a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.
 
Capped at $100 million for the first year, the credit allows taxpayers and corporations to directly support their community’s public safety initiatives through an affiliated law enforcement foundation. Agencies will be authorized to use the funds to increase officer salaries, hire additional officers, expand training programs, purchase or maintain department equipment and establish or maintain a co-responder program for de-escalating behavioral health emergencies.
 
“Securing Georgia communities is paramount as rising crime has affected communities around the nation,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “The LESS Crime Act takes a bipartisan approach to enhancing public safety while engaging directly with local community members. I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for prioritizing this innovative policy and look forward to continuing the dialogue as this proposal moves through the legislative process.”
 
Carried by Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry) in the Senate, the advancement of the “LESS Crime Act” (SB 361) received bipartisan acclamation from a wide range of leaders across Georgia.
 
“Our commitment to our first responders will be directly seen across Georgia’s 159 counties as the LESS Crime Act incentivizes partnerships between community members and law enforcement agencies,” said Sen. Walker. “I am truly honored Lt. Governor Duncan has entrusted me to lead the effort on this critical issue while ensuring the input of all groups involved in its implementation receive representation throughout the process."
 
Representing Senate District 39, which covers the City of Atlanta, City of South Fulton, College Park, East Point and Union City, Sen. Sonya Halpern (D – Atlanta) praised the Senate’s passage of SB 361. “The tragedies of the last few years has shown us that we have to come up with more innovative ideas around public safety,” said Sen. Halpern. “I applaud the Lt. Governor for taking a bipartisan approach to making our communities safe while prioritizing modern policing methods that promote law enforcement collaboration with mental health professionals.” 
 
Recently inaugurated Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens voiced his support for the measure and its efforts to raise funds for additional public safety resources, stating that Lt. Governor Duncan’s “LESS Crime Act will provide additional pathways for citizens to support public safety efforts.”

To view a copy of SB 361, visit: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/61292.
 

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