Michigan communities with high rates of violent crime could get more funding under legislation now making its way through the Legislature.

With the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund package, state Representative Mike Harris says the focus is on combatting violent crime, and the package could assist with things like purchasing equipment and hiring new officers.

“Hire new officers, find ways to retain officers, buy specific equipment geared towards combating violent crime in their communities,” Harris said. “So it’s a pretty wide open set of funds that communities can make choices for what’s best in their area because every place is different across Michigan.”

The bill is set to move through the state House in early April.