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 operatio...
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