SB 5549-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/13/99)

     Provides that the secretary of corrections may authorize an extraordinary medical release for an offender when all of the following conditions exist:  (1) The offender has a medical condition that is serious enough to require costly care or treatment;

     (2) the offender poses a low risk to the community because he or she is physically incapacitated due to age or the medical condition; and

     (3) granting the extraordinary medical release will result in a cost savings to the state.

     Provides that an offender sentenced to death or to life imprisonment without the possibility of release or parole is not eligible for an extraordinary medical release under this act.

     Provides that the secretary shall require electronic monitoring for all offenders in extraordinary medical placement unless the electronic monitoring equipment interferes with the function of the offender's medical equipment or results in the loss of funding for the offender's medical care.

     Authorizes the secretary to revoke an extraordinary medical release under this act at any time.