Lawmaker proposes reorganizing state law enforcement, eliminating Department of Homeland Security, to save state money

By Kim Chandler | kchandler@al.com
on January 18, 2013

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh has proposed a sweeping reorganization of state law enforcement functions, including eliminating the state Department of Homeland Security, to save money.

“This proposal, like many others we’ll take up this session, will fundamentally change the landscape of state government and we know that won’t be easy,” Marsh said in a statement.

“But we owe it to the taxpayers to move heaven and earth on their behalf to make sure we’re living within our means. We look forward to working with various stakeholders to address any concerns they may have, but the bottom line is we will be moving forward,” Marsh said.

The proposal would create the Public Safety Agency with separate departments of Public Safety, Investigations and Public Safety Training. The departments will take over and consolidate various law enforcement and investigative functions currently handled by different agencies.

This bill also would eliminate the Department of Homeland Security and transfer its functions to other state agencies.

The bill is one of several GOP proposals aimed at reducing the size of government. Other proposals are expected to look at consolidating legislative office and information technology functions of government.

“Our number one responsibility as lawmakers is to ensure we’re living within our means and this proposal is a monumental step in that direction,” Senate Majority Leader Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, said in a statement.

The legislation comes as Gov. Robert Bentley scheduled a Tuesday press conference to announce his own plans to increase efficiency measures among law enforcement agencies.

Bentley will name current Homeland Security Director Spencer Collier to the post of Senior Law Enforcement Advisor.

Bentley’s office indicated Collier will continue in his role at Homeland Security, but also coordinate efforts to streamline state law enforcement functions.

Lawmaker proposes reorganizing state law enforcement, eliminating Department of Homeland Security, to save state money | al.com