2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 35 - LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND AGENCIES (§§ 35-1-1 — 35-10-11) › Chapter 6A - CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL (§§ 35-6A-1 — 35-6A-17) › Section 35-6A-16 - [Repealed Effective 12/31/2030] Grants for enforcement of motor vehicle related statutes; termination

(a)
The council shall, subject to available funding:
(1)
Establish a grant program for the provision of funds to local law enforcement agencies and multi-jurisdiction task forces for the:
(A)
Prevention, reduction, and investigation of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts theft;
(B)
Prevention, reduction, and investigation of motor vehicle related crime;
(C)
Establishment of multi-jurisdiction task forces upon request of local law enforcement agencies;
(D)
Investigation of fraud related to motor vehicle insurance, motor vehicle dealer purchases, and motor vehicle rental transactions and other forms of financial fraud relating to motor vehicles;
(E)
Hiring of personnel by local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of preventing, reducing, and investigating motor vehicle related crime;
(F)
Purchase of equipment and technology for support in motor vehicle related crime prevention, reduction, and investigation;
(G)
Provision of training to local law enforcement agencies and multi-jurisdiction task forces relative to motor vehicle related crime prevention, reduction, and investigation; and
(H)
Production of public awareness materials and programs relating to motor vehicle related crime prevention;
(2)
Promote state-wide planning and coordination of the investigation and prosecution of crimes relating to motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts theft;
(3)
Provide support to local prosecutors handling motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts theft related prosecutions; and
(4)
Provide support to multi-jurisdiction task forces established by local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of preventing, reducing, and investigating motor vehicle related crime.
(b)
(1)
Any grant awarded pursuant to this Code section shall be upon recommendation from and after consideration by the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board. Each grant application shall describe the type of motor vehicle related crime prevention, reduction, investigation, enforcement, prosecution, or offender rehabilitation program to be implemented. Such programs may include, but shall not be limited to:
(A)
Multi-jurisdiction task forces and programs utilizing the National Insurance Crime Bureau task force which reduce motor vehicle related crime and increase the apprehension of motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts thieves and persons who attempt to defraud insurance companies;
(B)
Motor vehicle related crime prevention efforts, activities, and public awareness campaigns intended to reduce victimization by motor vehicle related crime and fraud;
(C)
The provision of specialized training for motor vehicle related crime investigation personnel, including, but not limited to, law enforcement personnel, local motor vehicle registration agents and title clerks, and port facility employees, in order to enhance knowledge, skills, procedures, and systems to detect, prevent, and combat motor vehicle related crime and fraud;
(D)
The provision of support and maintenance by one or more dedicated prosecutors who have the specific mission and expertise to provide legal guidance and prosecutorial continuity to complex criminal cases arising from the activities of a multi-jurisdiction task force; and
(E)
The prevention of future criminal behavior by first-time offenders who have been charged, convicted, or adjudicated for a motor vehicle related crime.
(2)
To the extent possible, grants awarded pursuant to this Code section shall be awarded to local law enforcement agencies, multi-jurisdiction task forces, or other qualified applicants in a variety of geographic areas of the state. The ability to contribute additional moneys or match funding for a program shall not be required as a condition of receipt of a grant pursuant to this Code section.
(c)
For the purposes of this Code section, the council may accept and use federal funds granted by Congress or executive order, as well as gifts and donations from individuals, private organizations, or foundations. The acceptance and use of federal funds shall not commit state funds and shall not place an obligation upon the General Assembly to continue the purposes for which the federal funds are made available.
(d)
The council shall prepare an annual report relative to activities and programs of the council and any funds received and grants awarded pursuant to this Code section. Such report may include recommendations for changes in state programs, statutes, policies, budgets, and standards relating to improving and supporting the motor vehicle related crime prevention initiatives of local law enforcement agencies and multi-jurisdiction task forces. Such report shall be submitted annually to the General Assembly and the Governor by December 1.
(e)
This Code section shall stand repealed on December 31, 2030.
Added by 2023 Ga. Laws 32,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.