Creating the Police Partnering with Communities Act

HB 5232 establishes the "Police Partnering With Communities Fund" within the West Virginia State Treasurer's office to reimburse police officers for housing costs if they live in designated distressed areas. The bill defines distressed areas as low-income census tracts (with 20%+ poverty rate or below 80% median family income) experiencing higher-than-average crime. Officers must provide proof of residence in these areas and employment with a local police department to receive full housing cost reimbursements. The fund, funded through a separate appropriations bill, aims to strengthen police-community relationships by encouraging officers to live in the neighborhoods they serve. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.