Bill Text: HI HB2363 | 2014 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Reentry Pilot Project; Nonviolent, Low-risk Drug Offenders; Appropriation ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-06-26 - Act 149, 6/24/2014 (Gov. Msg. No. 1252). [HB2363 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2014-HB2363-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2363 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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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 drug 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 consistently demonstrates 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 drug 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 purpose of this Act is to plan and implement a two-year pilot project to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of providing a coordinated system of reentry treatment and support services to help nonviolent, low-risk drug offenders transition from jail or prison back into the community.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of public safety a pilot project to be known as the reentry pilot project for nonviolent, low-risk drug offenders.
(b) There shall be one hundred participants in the pilot project annually, from among male and female nonviolent, low-risk drug offenders who are eligible for early release or parole.
(c) The effectiveness of the pilot project shall be evaluated. The evaluation shall include project participants' status with respect to the following criteria:
(1) Record of arrest;
(2) Reincarceration;
(3) Substance abuse;
(4) Employment status;
(5) Compliance with the terms and conditions of release;
(6) Housing status; and
(7) The availability of a positive support group.
(d) The pilot project shall be based on evidence-based principles.
(e) Data shall be collected by service providers and shall be submitted to the department of public safety every six months for evaluation purposes.
(f) The department of public safety shall:
(1) Provide general oversight of the pilot project; and
(2) Be the purchaser and contractor of necessary services to support the pilot project.
(g) Project participants shall be provided community-based treatment including residential care for one-and-one-half months to two months; outpatient care for two months to three months; and continuing care for up to six months that is coordinated with other agencies and support groups depending on a participant's needs.
(h) As used in this section:
"Community-based treatment" means residential care, outpatient care, and continuing care that is coordinated with other agencies and support groups depending on a participant's needs. "Community-based treatment" includes services such as vocational rehabilitation, sober housing, psychiatric care, medical care, family reunification, and support from faith-based organizations, cultural groups, and recovery support groups.
"Nonviolent, low-risk drug offender" means a person incarcerated for drug offenses who is not a violent threat to the community based on the person's current status and previous history.
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 2014-2015 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2015-2016 for the pilot project known as the reentry pilot project for nonviolent, low-risk drug offenders established by this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2016.
Report Title:
Reentry Pilot Project for Nonviolent, Low-Risk Drug Offenders
Description:
Provides systematic reentry programming for nonviolent, low-risk drug offenders by establishing the Reentry Pilot Project for Nonviolent, Low-risk Drug Offenders. Effective July 1, 2020, and repealed on June 30, 2016. (HB2363 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
