To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diana Becton, District Attorney
Report Title: 2024/25 Automobile Insurance Fraud Prosecution Grant Application
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution No. 2024/XXX authorizing the District Attorney, or designee, to apply for and accept funding in an amount not to exceed $432,717 from the Automobile Insurance Fraud Prosecution Program, and to execute a grant award agreement, and any extensions or amendments thereof, pursuant to State guidelines, with the California Department of Insurance for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approximately $432,717. 100% State funded, no County match. The grant will fund salaries and benefits for a Deputy District Attorney, a Senior Inspector, and other staff assigned to the program. Supplantation is prohibited. This revenue has been budgeted. Approximate grant amount is based on current fiscal year 2023-24 award. Actual grant amount for fiscal year 2024-25 is determined after application submission.
BACKGROUND:
The State Legislature has determined that one of the significant factors driving up the cost of automobile insurance is fraud. While fraud is recognized as a growing problem across the country, California is an area of concerted criminal activity in insurance fraud. The Automobile Insurance Fraud Prosecution award is allocated from a trust fund financed by an assessment per insured vehicle, payable by the insurer. A portion of the assessment amount is earmarked for distribution to County District Attorney Offices for enhanced prosecution of automobile fraud.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If unapproved, the District Attorney's Office will be unable to apply for and accept the grant.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF the Office of the District Attorney ...
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