Speaker of the House Matt Hall, R-Richland Twp., emphasized a new direction in public safety funding during a Thursday afternoon press conference, outlining recent changes to legislation passed by the Michigan House.

The legislation, House Bills 4605 and 4606, forms the basis of the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund. The initiative aims to reallocate revenue generated from Michigan’s sales tax and distribute it to County Sheriffs’ Offices and City Police Departments across the state. The goal: to provide more resources to law enforcement agencies working to reduce crime in their communities.

“We’re going to give you more money, and we’re going to dedicate it to public safety,” Hall said.

However, the funding model laid out in the bills is not a blank check. Hall said the legislation was revised after discussions with law enforcement leaders from around the state, including multiple police chiefs and county sheriffs. Based on those conversations, Hall and his Republican colleagues in the House amended the bills to include performance-based requirements for departments seeking funding.

To receive funding, police departments must demonstrate measurable results in reducing crime. If they fail to do so, Hall said, the funds will be reallocated to other communities that are achieving success.

Hall explained that being able to receive the funds will be based on performance, and if there is no direct correlation to lowering crime, the money will be taken and sent to other cities and counties that are making a difference.

According to Hall, the primary goal is to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and are going directly toward boosting public safety. This includes hiring more officers and providing critical equipment, rather than simply plugging budget gaps in underperforming departments.

Go Ad-Free, Get Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial

“We want the money going to where it should go, which is going directly to putting police on the street and getting them the equipment they need,” Hall said. “Not filling budget holes.”

With the legislation now in place, Hall said the focus will shift to ensuring accountability and results. The funding model reflects a broader push in Lansing to prioritize effectiveness over entitlement, to deliver real outcomes in crime reduction across Michigan communities.