Prop 311: Convicted Criminals May Soon Compensate Families of Fallen First Responders

Proposition 311, set to appear on Arizona’s November ballot, seeks to provide an additional $250,000 payment to families of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians killed in the line of duty due to criminal acts. This proposal, fueled by bipartisan support in the House and Republican backing in the Senate, aims to enhance existing benefits already in place for these families.

The proposition is framed as a show of solidarity with first responders amid heightened public scrutiny of law enforcement practices. Proponents assert it presents a vital opportunity for voters to express support for policing at a time when agencies face hiring challenges.

Funding for the estimated $1 million annual cost will stem from a new $20 surcharge on convicted criminals in the state. This mechanism allows voters to endorse increased financial support for first responders without imposing additional taxes on the wider public.

Alongside increased payouts for victims’ families, the measure also proposes stiffer penalties for individuals who assault police and first responders, enhancing prison sentences and demonstrating a commitment to protecting public safety officials.

The additional benefits would supplement existing state provisions that already replace a fallen public safety worker’s salary for a surviving spouse, along with health insurance and federal benefits exceeding $437,000. These resources are crucial for assisting families during difficult times, particularly as public safety agencies struggle to recruit qualified personnel despite competitive salaries.

The measure follows a two-year lobbying effort by law enforcement advocates, motivated in part by public sentiment after national protests against police misconduct gained prominence in 2020. Lobbyists maintain that Proposition 311 bolsters a narrative in favor of law enforcement and demonstrates that Arizonans appreciate their sacrifices.

However, the proposal has faced opposition, particularly from Democrats who are concerned about the reliance on surcharges that could disproportionately affect low-income individuals already financially burdened by existing fees related to criminal charges. Critics argue that imposing new fees for this purpose exacerbates inequity and suggests a troubling trend in how legislation is funded.

An earlier draft of the proposal sought to finance benefits through various civil fines but was deemed politically unfeasible. The revised measure avoids this approach, reflecting feedback from lawmakers.

Legislative analysts estimate that about 137,000 individuals may incur the new surcharge each year, with projections indicating that a significant portion may not pay. The anticipated annual revenue is justified against an average of four line-of-duty deaths per year among Arizona’s public safety workers, with eligibility for the new benefits tied specifically to deaths resulting from criminal actions.

Funding from fees has become a contentious issue in Arizona, where additional charges have increasingly inflated the costs associated with fines. For instance, a $100 violation can escalate to $224 after surcharges are applied. Critics emphasize the need for alternative funding strategies to support first responders without further burdening low-income populations.

Currently, there is no organized opposition against Proposition 311. The Back the Blue Committee has raised significant funds to advocate for its passage, primarily supported by the Virginia-based Liberty Initiative Fund, which champions greater citizen control over government through ballot initiatives.