Report Title:
Sentencing Simulation Model Project; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to establish and maintain the sentencing simulation model project.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
632 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Making an appropriation for the establishment of the sentencing simulation model project.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that accurately compiling profiles of existing convicted criminals and being able to predict future criminal offender patterns would greatly assist the State in efficiently managing its limited correctional resources. The legislature further finds that the criminal justice system would be aided by effective sentencing and resource allocation through the establishment of a sentencing simulation model project.
The legislature further finds that the sentencing simulation model project was a previously established project that worked to link all of the data in the criminal justice system to obtain projections of the corrections population and simulate the impacts that proposed legislation and policy changes would have on this population. Despite the project's success in providing valuable information for criminal justice policymaking and planning, and the resounding support for the project among those involved in criminal justice and corrections, the project ended in 2004 due to a lack of funding.
In light of looming budget deficits in these fiscally constrained times, it is more important than ever that legislators, policymakers, and agencies obtain accurate information about the criminal justice system and the corrections populations, and information and analysis regarding the probable impact of proposed policies and decisions, to enable them to address corrections issues, enhance the overall effectiveness of the criminal justice system, plan for the future, and allocate resources cost-effectively.
The sentencing simulation model project will be able to analyze the validity and reliability of agency data, particularly in terms of data collection, data linking, and data transfer across agencies. This analysis will assist agencies in assessing specific agency policies and will provide an accurate overview of the State corrections situation.
The model project will also be able to successfully produce population projections for adult felon corrections populations and provide the legislature, policy makers, and relevant agencies with information to ensure efficient resource allocation of prison beds and other alternatives to incarceration. The project model will also provide accurate, objective data on the potential impact and effectiveness of proposed changes within the criminal justice system and provide projections of the impact on resources.
The purpose of this Act is to establish and maintain a sentencing simulation model project.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $61,200 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 and $49,200 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2010-2011 to establish and maintain a sentencing simulation model project.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of public safety for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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