The state Senate Judiciary Committee recently advanced bipartisan legislation that would reform the state’s probation system.
Senate Bill 838 would establish a mandatory probation review conference for probationers. The conference would provide criteria and a presumption that probation will be terminated unless the individual does not qualify.
The review conference could occur earlier based on a probationer’s good conduct that has been achieved through certain educational, employment or other goals.
The mandatory review conference could be waived in cases where all stakeholders agree it is unnecessary.
State Sens. Lisa Baker (R-Pike), Camera Bartolotta (R-Greene) and Anthony Williams (D-Delaware) sponsored the bill.
“Our bill is designed to implement greater fairness, eliminate excessive incarceration, give individuals a more reliable second chance to get their lives right and offer taxpayers a break from ever-rising state correctional costs,” Bartolotta said.
“We’ve passed laws in recent years offering individuals a second chance – better enabling them to find a place to live, access education or training if that is needed, and have a fair shot at employment,” Baker said. “However, we will not fully realize the benefits of these improvements if we do not eliminate the issues that exist in probation.”
The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.