Tentative omnibus proposal
PRE-PROSECUTION DIVERSION:
Expand a diversion program that’s aimed at unclogging the court system. Prosecutors would have more flexibility to put nonviolent offenders into a probation-like program with drug testing and other conditions, giving defendants an incentive to succeed, because, upon completion, they would avoid indictment if they comply.
GERIATRIC PAROLE:
Clarify and change the process for determining who is eligible for geriatric and medical parole.
GOOD SAMARITANS:
Expand immunity protections for people who report an overdose so that the “good Samaritan law” covers people on
probation or parole.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Require the state Sentencing Commission to analyze the expected financial impact of any criminal justice legislative proposal, including changes to criminal penalties.
CRIME VICTIMS:
Expand eligibility for who can apply for state compensation to cover medical, funeral and similar costs for crime victims.
EYEWITNESS PROCEDURES:
Require law enforcement agencies to consider written procedures – based on FBI standards – for the handling of eyewitness testimony that’s used to
identify a criminal defendant.
DNA TESTING:
Allow prisoners to request a DNA test if there wasn’t one in the case that resulted in their conviction.
HEALTH INTERVENTION:
Require the Human Services Department to work on connecting nonviolent offenders who have a behavioral health problem with services.
PROBATION AND PAROLE:
Require a needs and risk assessment before people who violate their conditions of probation or parole because of a failed drug test or technical violation are automatically sent back to prison.
NO MANDATORY PAROLE:
Eliminate the requirement for mandatory parole if the defendant is serving a sentence of only a year or less. Instead, they would go straight to probation upon release.
DATA:
Create a central data repository to allow criminal justice agencies to better track defendants who are arrested in different jurisdictions.
CRIME COUNCILS:
Offer financial incentives to judicial districts that operate an inter-agency criminal justice council that promotes collaboration and data sharing among law enforcement, the courts, public defenders and prosecutors.