STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – State Representative David Marshall’s bill to prevent cities and towns from slashing law enforcement budgets without cause has passed the House Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement. HB2221 ensures that municipalities cannot reduce their police budgets below the previous year’s level unless every other department sees an equal or greater cut.

“Arizona families deserve safe neighborhoods, and that starts with properly funding our law enforcement,” said Representative Marshall, who chairs the Public Safety & Law Enforcement Committee. “This bill protects officers from political games that could weaken public safety. If a city is facing financial hardship, this legislation makes sure that law enforcement isn’t targeted while other departments remain untouched.”

HB2221 reinforces the House Republican Majority’s priority of promoting public safety, a key pillar of the Majority Plan. Arizona voters sent Republicans to the House with a mandate to take action against policies that undermine law and order. With this bill, Republicans are ensuring that cities don’t cave to anti-police agendas that put communities at risk.

Under HB2221, if a city attempts to defund its police department, the State Treasurer will withhold state-shared revenue in an amount equal to the budget cut until funding is restored. The bill does provide for exceptions in cases of financial necessity, but only if the entire municipal government shares in the reductions.

“The message is simple: If a city chooses to cut law enforcement, they’ll have to cut everywhere else first,” Chairman Marshall continued. “Republicans in the House are standing firm for public safety and against reckless policies that would make Arizona’s communities less secure.”

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

David Marshall is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 7, which includes Pinal, Gila, Coconino, and Navajo Counties. He also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety & Law Enforcement. Follow him on X at @DaveMarshallAZ.