January 3, 2008
Bowen’s Initiatives to Change Sentencing, Parole, Probation
Secty. of State Debra Bowen announces initiatives and dates for circulation.
Contact: Kate Folmar 916 653 6575.
NONVIOLENT OFFENDERS. SENTENCING, PAROLE AND REHABILITATION. STATUTE.
Requires State to expand and increase funding and oversight for individualized treatment and rehabilitation programs for nonviolent drug offenders and parolees. Reduces criminal consequences of nonviolent drug offenses by mandating three-tiered probation with treatment and by providing for case dismissal and/or sealing of records after probation.
Limits court's authority to incarcerate offenders who violate probation or parole.
Shortens parole for most drug offenses, including sales, and for nonviolent property crimes. Creates numerous divisions, boards, commissions, and reporting requirements regarding drug treatment and rehabilitation.
Changes certain marijuana misdemeanors to infractions.
Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased state costs that could exceed $1 billion annually primarily for expanding drug treatment and rehabilitation programs for offenders in state prisons, on parole, and in the community.
Savings to the state that could exceed $1 billion annually due primarily to reduced prison and parole operating costs.
Net savings on a one-time basis on capital outlay costs for prison facilities that could exceed $2.5 billion.
Unknown net fiscal effect on expenditures for county operations and capital outlay.
Proponent Daniel N. Abrahamson, 510 229 5211, must collect 433,971 valid signatures by June 2, 2008.
