Creating the Police Partnering with Communities Act

HB 3257, the "Police Partnering With Communities Act," establishes a fund within the West Virginia State Treasurer's office to reimburse police officers for full housing costs if they live in designated distressed areas. Distressed areas are defined as low-income West Virginia neighborhoods with poverty rates of at least 20% or median family income below 80% of the area median, particularly those with higher crime rates. Officers must provide proof of residence in a distressed area and employment with a local police department to qualify for reimbursement. The fund, to be funded through a separate appropriations bill, becomes effective July 1, 2025. This policy directly affects police officers in participating municipalities who choose to reside in targeted communities.