sb 0055

CHAPTER 97

SB 55 - FINAL VERSION

AN ACT creating a commission to study the need for and location of architecturally secure facilities and community shelter care facilities to service juveniles.

SPONSORS: Sen. Hollingworth, Dist 23

This bill establishes a commission to study the need for and location of architecturally secure facilities and community shelter care facilities to serve juveniles.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

AN ACT creating a commission to study the need for and location of architecturally secure facilities and community shelter care facilities to service juveniles.

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

97:1 Purpose. With the exception of basic maintenance and emergency repairs, limited funds have been expended in the last several years to maintain and improve the facilities operated by the department of youth development services. During this period, the state has experienced growth in its juvenile justice caseload, which has placed pressures on the facilities operated by the department of youth development services, particularly the youth detention services unit, and the shelter care facilities operated by private providers under contract with the division for children, youth and families. In 1997 an architectural study of the facilities at the youth development center was completed. In 1998, 1999, and 2001, the general court examined a number of bills to create juvenile facilities in other parts of the state. Under the Violent Offender and Truth in Sentencing Act, federal funds may be available for the renovation and/or construction of certain types of facilities for juveniles. The general court believes it is time to take a comprehensive look at the need for and location of architecturally secure facilities and community shelter care facilities for juveniles and to develop a plan to address these needs.

97:2 Commission Established. There is established a commission to study the need for and the location of architecturally secure facilities and community shelter care facilities to serve juveniles.

(b) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house.

(d) The commissioner of the department of health and human services, or designee.

(g) A district court judge who routinely hears juvenile delinquency petitions, appointed by the administrative justice of the district courts.

(h) An attorney experienced in representing juveniles in delinquency proceedings, appointed by the New Hampshire Bar Association.

(i) A police officer or a police prosecutor experienced with police matters involving juveniles, appointed by the New Hampshire Police Chief's Association.

(j) A representative of county government, appointed by the New Hampshire Association of Counties.

II. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.

III. In performing its duties, the commission may solicit information from teachers, counselors, juvenile probation and parole officers, youth development center staff members, and members of the public who were placed at the youth development center or whose children were placed at the youth development center.

I. Review the last 5 years of caseload/population and length of stay data for juveniles within

the jurisdiction of the division for children, youth and families pursuant to RSA 169-B or 169-D, for juveniles placed at facilities managed by the department of youth development services, and for juveniles placed in the shelter care facilities.

II. Develop a plan to address the unmet needs for architecturally secure and community shelter care facilities and the programs provided at such facilities for the juveniles placed there.

III. Identify possible funding sources for the renovation of existing facilities, the construction of new facilities, and the ongoing operation of such facilities.

97:5 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named senate member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Five members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

97:6 Report. The commission shall report its findings, which shall include any reports from any independent consultants, and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the senate president, the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate clerk, the house clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2001.