SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SCR 8429

                        AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 9, 1992

Brief Description:  Resolving to continue development of sentencing alternatives.

SPONSORS: Senators Thorsness, Niemi, Erwin and A. Smith

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786-7418)

BACKGROUND:

In 1991, the Governor requested the Sentencing Guidelines Commission to study and formulate sentencing alternatives for nonviolent offenders and offenders addicted to controlled substances.  In response to this directive, the commission prepared legislative proposals for sentencing alternatives which were considered by the 1992 Legislature but not adopted.

Also in 1991, the Legislature created the joint legislative Task Force on Sentencing of Adult Criminal Offenders.  The objectives of the task force include determining the extent to which existing alternatives to total confinement are being used, making recommendations to ensure that alternatives to total confinement are being ordered where appropriate, and determining whether expanding sentencing options would achieve the purposes of the Sentencing Reform Act.  The task force report is due December 15, 1992.

SUMMARY:

The Sentencing Guidelines Commission is directed to continue development of sentencing alternatives with emphasis on alternatives to confinement for nonviolent offenders and treatment for offenders addicted to controlled substances.  The commission is to seek involvement from members of the business, education, and treatment communities, as well as local government.  The commission's efforts are to involve and be coordinated with the joint legislative Task Force on Sentencing of Adult Criminal Offenders.  The commission's study should include examining the economic and social relationship of criminal sanctions in maintaining public safety to other essential state programs such as education, health, and welfare.  The commission's findings and recommendations should be reported to the Governor and Legislature no later than December 31, 1992.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested