ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
Continues the Automobile Theft Authority (ATA) for five years.
The Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) was created in 1992 with a stated legislative purpose “to provide assistance to law enforcement with funding and programs to reduce the incidence of automobile theft.” The ATPA examined the scope of automobile theft to determine particular areas of the state where theft is more prevalent and develop and implement a plan to combat automobile theft, as well as a financial plan. Laws 1996, Chapter 263 renamed the ATPA, the Automobile Theft Authority (ATA). It’s current mission is to reduce vehicle theft through a statewide cooperative effort by supporting law enforcement investigation, prosecution, and public awareness programs.
The ATA is comprised of 12 members, who include law enforcement officials, insurance company representatives, and the public. To satisfy its mission, the Authority provides grants for several programs designed to promote automobile theft prevention, classified under three categories: law enforcement, prosecution, and public awareness programs.
The ATA’s expenditures are authorized by the Legislature; however, the Authority does not receive general fund appropriations. The Authority is primarily funded from motor vehicle insurance premium fees. Legislation adopted in 1996 established continued funding by annual assessments of automobile insurers of 50 cents multiplied by the total earned car years of insurance (Laws 1996, Chapter 263). Legislation adopted in 1997 restructured these fees to the current form of a semiannual payment of 50 cents per vehicle insured under a liability policy (Laws 1997, Chapter 290).
There is no known fiscal impact to the general fund associated with this legislation.
1. Continues the ATA for five years.
2. Contains a retroactivity clause of January 1, 2002.
Prepared by Senate Staff
January 10, 2002