According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), the fiscal implications of SB 2177 cannot be determined at this time. The total fiscal impact will depend on two main factors: how many law enforcement agencies apply for the grants and how much funding is appropriated by the Legislature for the program. As currently written, the bill does not set a funding cap or minimum, leaving the budgetary impact open-ended and subject to future legislative decisions.

The bill establishes a grant program within the Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the Office of the Governor (OOG) to support local law enforcement in solving violent and sexual offenses. Grants can be used for a range of allowable expenses, including hiring and training personnel, upgrading technology and equipment, and improving forensic and records systems. Participating agencies must also submit annual reports on their clearance performance and use of funds, which the OOG will incorporate into its annual reporting under Government Code Section 772.006(a)(9).

While the administrative costs to manage the grant program are assumed to be absorbable within the OOG’s existing resources, the potential scale of grant awards introduces fiscal uncertainty. If appropriations are modest, the fiscal impact may remain low; however, a robust funding initiative could result in substantial outlays from the state budget.

Notably, the fiscal note concludes there will be no significant fiscal implications for local governments, suggesting that local law enforcement agencies would not bear new financial burdens as a condition of participating in the program.

SB 2177 addresses a well-documented and critical shortcoming in Texas’s public safety infrastructure—persistently low clearance rates for violent and sexual offenses. The bill takes a highly targeted and measured approach by establishing a state grant program to support local law enforcement agencies in improving investigative capabilities for crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and aggravated robbery. These crimes often remain unresolved due to under-resourced departments, especially in rural or smaller jurisdictions, which lack sufficient forensic technology and specialized personnel.

The bill is grounded in the principles of limited but effective government and emphasizes local control, as participation is voluntary and grants are competitive. By requiring detailed annual performance reports, including clearance data and how funds were spent, SB 2177 ensures accountability and supports the development of evidence-based policing practices. It also safeguards against funding misuse by prohibiting localities from reducing law enforcement budgets due to the receipt of state grant funds.

While the fiscal impact is currently indeterminate, this is primarily due to the discretionary nature of appropriations and demand from local agencies. Administrative costs to the state are expected to be absorbed within the existing structure of the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. Importantly, there are no significant fiscal implications for local governments, as participation in the program does not impose new mandates.

Ultimately, SB 2177 balances public safety needs with fiscal responsibility and local autonomy. For these reasons, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 2177.

• Individual Liberty: The bill enhances individual liberty by helping law enforcement resolve violent and sexual crimes that directly infringe on victims' freedoms, safety, and bodily autonomy. By facilitating faster and more accurate investigations it promotes justice for victims while deterring future offenses. These improvements bolster public trust in law enforcement and ensure citizens can more freely enjoy their lives without fear of unresolved serious crimes.
• Personal Responsibility: The bill promotes accountability among local law enforcement agencies. To receive and maintain funding, departments must meet reporting requirements that measure clearance performance and resource allocation. This emphasis on outcomes-based funding encourages responsible use of state support and drives internal reforms, fostering a culture of measurable results and continual improvement.
• Free Enterprise: While the bill does not directly impact private markets or reduce regulatory burdens, it could indirectly support economic activity by improving public safety. Businesses tend to thrive in stable environments where violent crime is deterred and addressed. Additionally, the technology and forensic tools purchased with grant funds may create procurement opportunities for private vendors specializing in investigative equipment or data systems.
• Private Property Rights: While not a property bill per se, the bill reinforces the state's ability to uphold order and prevent crimes like aggravated robbery and armed assault—offenses that often target individuals' homes and businesses. A stronger investigative infrastructure contributes to protecting Texans' right to security in their persons and property, a foundational element of the rule of law and property rights.
• Limited Government: The bill expands the state’s administrative footprint by creating a new grant program, but does so in a narrowly tailored and fiscally cautious manner. Participation is voluntary, and funding is contingent on performance and oversight. Moreover, the bill prohibits local governments from offsetting their own budgets in response to receiving grant funds, thus avoiding perverse incentives. The state’s role remains supervisory and supportive rather than controlling or punitive.

• HB 3577 (Similar To)