HCS HB 49 & 50 -- EARLY RELEASE OF OFFENDERS

SPONSOR:  Byrd (Jolly)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Judiciary
by a vote of 10 to 0 with 2 present.

This substitute repeals a provision that allows first-time,
nonviolent class C or class D felony offenders to petition the
court for early release after serving 120 days of their sentence.
Currently, crime victims and witnesses are required to be
notified when a parole or release hearing is scheduled and when
the Board of Probation and Parole makes a decision to release an
offender.  The substitute specifies that notice must also be
given to crime victims and witnesses when an offender petitions
for early release after the completion of a drug and alcohol
treatment program, as well as when the circuit court releases an
offender after the completion of a treatment program.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Income on General Revenue Fund of Less
than $100,000 in FY 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008.  No impact on
Other State Funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill ensures that victims
and witnesses are able to be heard at probation and parole
hearings.  It also ensures that victims and witnesses are
notified when a probation and parole hearing is scheduled and
when a decision is made to release an offender.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Jolly and Harris
(23); Office of the Attorney General; Missouri Coalition Against
Domestic Violence; and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that there are
differences in existing law that allow offenders to file a
petition for early release and the laws relating to the early
release of offenders who successfully complete drug and alcohol
treatment programs.

Others testifying on the bill was Department of Corrections.

Amy Woods, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:18 pm