HB 1503

AN ACT establishing a study committee to review the state's current parole and probation procedures.

SPONSORS: Rep. Burnham, Ches 8; Rep. Knowles, Straf 11; Rep. Mitchell, Ches 3; Rep. Sargent, Hills 3; Rep. Peterson, Hills 8; Sen. Gordon, Dist 2; Sen. Wheeler, Dist 21; Sen. Cohen, Dist 24; Sen. Squires, Dist 12

This bill establishes a committee to study the laws and rules concerning the state's parole and probation efforts and the effects of a rapidly increasing number of released prisoners in the state requiring services.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

AN ACT establishing a study committee to review the state's current parole and probation procedures.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the laws and rules concerning the state's parole and probation efforts and the effects of a rapidly increasing number of released prisoners in the state requiring services, many of whom have a history of drug problems. The committee shall address whether the reforms instituted in other states, and at the medium security prison in Laconia, can be extended to those on parole and probation throughout the state in order to reduce the rate of those either being returned to prison or leaving the state to avoid their parole and probation restrictions.

(a) Four members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house.

II. Members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.

I. What new educational opportunities can be provided at reasonable cost to those on parole, specifically opportunities to obtain a high school diploma or training at one of New Hampshire's technical colleges;

II. What legislation can be passed to make it easier for those on parole and probation to seek counseling, either as required by their conviction or for personal reasons, easily and at minimal cost;

III. What legislation might be passed to improve job opportunities for those on parole and probation, specifically increased grants or subsidies to employers who hire parolees or probationers;

IV. What legislation might be passed to provide adequate medical and rehabilitation facilities, specifically for drug abuse; and

V. What legislation should be passed to reduce the restrictions and punitive aspects of probation and parole, including the need for an independent review board, the need for a requirement for a search warrant before raids on homes and properties, and the need for public defender's offices to represent parolees or probationers in civil suits.

4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.

5 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2000.