THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2198

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Research has demonstrated that nonviolent, low-risk offenders can be effectively and safely transitioned from jail or prison to community status through the availability of a comprehensive and coordinated continuum of evidence-based treatment services.  Strong empirical evidence has consistently demonstrated that substance abuse treatment reduces crime and is cost-effective, with research studies documenting savings of $10 to $18 for every $1 spent.  Through the use of evidence-based practices, community drug treatment programs can effectively break the costly cycle of offender drug use, crime, and incarceration by significantly reducing recidivism.  The goals and benefits of such a comprehensive and coordinated continuum of treatment services include:

     (1)  Reducing the prison population and the cost of incarceration by decreasing recidivism among nonviolent, low-risk offenders;

     (2)  Identifying a network of key resources necessary for success; and

     (3)  Preserving public safety through careful initial screening and continued monitoring of participants in the project as they live in the community.

     The legislature finds that Act 149, Session Laws of Hawaii 2014, established a two-year reentry pilot project for nonviolent, low-risk offenders which expires on June 30, 2016.

     The purpose of this Act is to extend the reentry pilot project for two more years to further demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of providing a coordinated system of reentry treatment and support services to help nonviolent, low-risk offenders transition from jail or prison back into the community.

     SECTION 2.  Act 149, Session Laws of Hawaii 2014, as amended by Act 126, Session Laws of Hawaii 2015, is amended by amending section 4 to read as follows:

     "SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014, and shall be repealed on June 30, [2016.] 2018."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the reentry pilot project for nonviolent, low-risk offenders.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on June 29, 2016; provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

 


 


 

Report Title:

Reentry Pilot Project; Nonviolent, Low-risk Offenders; Appropriation

 

Description:

Extends the reentry pilot project for nonviolent, low-risk offenders to 6/30/2018.  Makes an appropriation.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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