Agenda Item Wording:
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Authorization to apply for the CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant - Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program for up to $157,000 and submit the application by the February 23, 2026 deadline, if awarded, authorization to accept, and to appropriate the $157,000 from the General Fund.
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Prepared by: Police Chief Jason Salazar, 713-4215, Jason.Salazar@visalia.gov; Police Lieutenant Mike Short, 713-4573, Mike.Short@visalia.gov; Police Sergeant Henry Martinez, 713-4232, Henry.Martinez@visalia.gov; Financial Analyst Liz Ybarra, 713-4250, Liz.Ybarra@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: Authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) for up to $157,000, and submit the application by the February 23, 2026, deadline and if awarded, accept the grant and appropriate the $157,000 to the General Fund. The grant is effective for FY 26/27, July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Matching funds are not required. Awards will be announced by early summer 2026.
Summary:
The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) is a valuable funding source that strengthens enforcement efforts against alcohol and drug-impaired driving. While funded by the Adult Use Marijuana Act (AUMA), the program’s scope extends beyond marijuana impairment, providing enforcement and training opportunities to address all types of DUI offence. CTFGP specifically allocates funds for critical resources such as equipment, training, and specialized enforcement operations. This grant provides participating agencies with the tools needed for comprehensive DUI enforcement programs, including educational presentations. Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection and Enforcement (ARIDE) training, DUI Saturation Patrols, and DUI Checkpoints.
In July 2024, the department secured $195,000 through the CTFGP, which supported 15 DUI enforcement operations, DUI training sessions, the purchase of a DUI enforcement vehicle, and supplies for DUI Checkpoints. Compared to 2023, DUI arrests increased by 16% from (368 to 427), while DUI-related collisions decreased by 28% (from 179 to 129).
In July 2025, the department secured $98,000, which supported 15 DUI Saturation Patrols and provided patrol staffing coverage while officers attended DUI-related training. Compared to 2024, DUI arrests increased by 28%, rising from 427 to 546. Despite the increase in enforcement activity, DUI-related collisions increased across all categories. DUI-related fatalities increased by 100%, rising from two in 2024 to four in 2025, and total DUI-related collisions increased by 27%, from 129 to 164.
In July 2026, the department will seek approximately $157,000, which will fund 21 DUI Saturation Details, three DUI Checkpoints, and the purchase of nine DUI Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) breathalyzers to help detect impaired drivers.
These resources enable the department to go beyond the scope of the selective traffic enforcement program (STEP) grant awarded in September 2025, further enhancing the department’s ability to combat impaired driving effectively.
Background Discussion:
The CHP Grant provides financial assistance to allied agencies for the education, prevention, and the enforcement of laws related to driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The intent of the program is to educate the public regarding the dangers of impaired driving, enforce impaired driving laws on the roadway, and improve the agency’s effectiveness through training and development of new strategies. Public education strategies include social media posts and press releases relating to the dangers of impaired riving and upcoming Department DUI enforcement operations. Education efforts will also include presentations at local schools and community events to inform future drivers of the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Funding for the Grant passed with Proposition 64 in 2016, The Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use Marijuana Act (AUMU); pursuant to Section 34019 (f)(3)(B) Revenue and Taxation Code. The CHP adopted regulations within Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Division 2 by adding Chapter 13 which governs this grant.
Fiscal Impact: Appropriate $157,000 if Grant is awarded in the General Fund. The Grant will reimburse the General Fund.
The Grant Budget is as follows:
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: To not apply for the Grant.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the Visalia Police Department to apply for the California Highway Patrol (CH) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) for up to $157,000 and submit the application by the February 23, 2026, deadline, if awarded, accept the grant and appropriate the $157,000 in the General Fund.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 2/2/2026
Attachments: Solicitation and Chapter 13 CCR for eligible and ineligible project cost details.