37-1387. Arson detection reward fund; administration; purpose; receipts and disbursements

A. The arson detection reward fund is established and shall be administered within the guidelines of this section and rules of the office of state fire marshal.

B. The advisory committee on arson prevention established by the office of the state fire marshal shall provide rewards of not to exceed ten thousand dollars for information concerning a violation of any provision of title 13, chapter 17 relating to arson. The reward amounts shall be based on the value of the information, the availability of information from other sources and other factors deemed relevant by the committee.

C. The advisory committee is subject to title 38, chapter 3, article 3.1 and title 39, chapter 1, article 2, except that the advisory committee shall not disclose records that:

1. Reveal the identity of a confidential informant.

2. Endanger the life or physical safety of any person.

3. Jeopardize any ongoing criminal investigation.

D. Payment of rewards shall be from available funds consisting of:

1. Fines imposed by a court for an offense set forth in title 13, chapter 17. Notwithstanding section 13-811, the municipal, justice or superior court imposing and collecting such fine shall transfer the monies to the appropriate county treasurer who shall transfer the amount to the state treasurer for deposit in the arson detection reward fund.

2. Monies from forfeiture of bail posted in connection with an offense set forth in title 13, chapter 17. All amounts recovered by the prosecutor on an appropriate order of judgment forfeiting all or part of the amount of the bond shall be transferred to the appropriate county treasurer who shall transfer the amount to the state treasurer for deposit in the arson detection reward fund.

3. Monies received from donations to the fund.

4. Monies appropriated by the legislature for the purposes of this section.

E. Monies may be expended only for payment of rewards and promotion of public awareness of the arson detection reward fund.

F. Balances in the fund remaining at the end of the fiscal year are exempt from section 35-190, relating to lapsing of appropriations.