Please find a brief summary review of the actions taken by the special session. Teamwork paid off, and we extend our many thanks to all the sheriffs and deputy sheriffs that emailed or called legislators during this special session.

One of the priorities for the upcoming session in January will be salary enhancements for our members. While we appreciate the General Assembly providing our members with a bonus effective in December, it does not begin to address the salary base and reduce high turnovers.

Thank you again for stepping up to help kill some of the most troublesome bills that were introduced as indicted below. Teamwork is important, and please know that your membership and participation in VSA are very much appreciated.

POLICE REFORM

SB 5035 & HB 5055 - Law-enforcement civilian oversight bodies; localities may establish, duties, effective date. *EXCLUDES SHERIFF'S OFFICES*

HB 5013 - Civil action for deprivation of rights; duties and liabilities of certain employers. *FAILED*

SB 5030 & HB 5049 -Law-enforcement agencies; acquisition and use of military property. *INCLUDES THE PURCHASE OF HUMVEES AND CAMO UNIFORMS FROM FEDERAL SURPLUS PROGRAMS*

SB 5032 -Assault and battery; penalty. *FAILED*

HB 5069 - Law-enforcement officers; prohibition on the use of neck restraints, exception, penalties. *INCLUDES LIFE SAVING EXCEPTIONS*

Budget Item 406#1h - Redirect SRO / SSO Incentive Grant Funding - *FAILED*

HB 5029 - Law-enforcement officer; failure to intervene in an unlawful use of excessive force, penalties.

HB 5043 - Mental health crises; DCJS to assist DBHDS, etc., with development of Marcus alert system.

HB 5051 - Law-enforcement officers or jail officers; notice to Criminal Justice Services Board of misconduct.

HB 5072 - Law-enforcement; Attorney Gen. authorized to file civil suit or inquire into any unlawful practice.

HB 5099 -Search warrants; provide notice of authority.

HB 5104 - Law-enforcement officers, deputy sheriff, etc.; minimum qualifications, disclosure of information.

HB 5108 - Criminal Justice Services Board and Committee on Training; change in membership & responsibilities.

HB 5109 - Law-enforcement officer training & qualifications; DCJS to develop uniform curriculum & plans, etc.

SB 5014 - Law-enforcement officers; officers to complete crisis intervention training.

SB 5017 - Correctional facility, local; clarifies definition.

SB 5024 - Law-enforcement; Attorney Gen. authorized to file civil suit or inquire into any unlawful practice.

SB 5029 & HB 5058 -Marijuana and certain traffic offenses; issuing citations, etc.

Sheriff, deputy and support staff bonus: Included in the appropriation for this item is $5,518,139 from the general fund in the first year, which shall be made available to provide sworn constitutional officers and their staffs, including sheriffs, sheriffs' deputies regional jail superintendents and corrections officers, a one-time bonus payment of $500.00 on December 1, 2020. Funding was provided for bonuses for only sworn personnel.

Body worn camera fund: S.1. Included within the appropriation for this item is $6,402,200 in the first year from the general fund for the Department to make one-time grants to law enforcement agencies located in the Commonwealth employing law enforcement officers with primary law enforcement duties, including but not limited to state agencies, local agencies, and colleges and universities, for the purpose of purchasing, operating, and maintaining body-worn camera systems. Qualified uses for grant funds shall include one-time costs associated with such body-worn camera systems, to include equipment, data storage, and technology costs, and other one-time costs associated with the purchase, operation, and maintenance of body-worn camera systems, as determined to be eligible by the Department.

COVID-19

SB 5022 - Workers' compensation; resumption of compensability for COVID-19. *FAILED*