NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

SB10 appropriates $150.0 from the general fund to the Corrections Department (CD), Community Corrections Program for expenditure in fiscal year 2001 to fund community-based services for women released from incarceration and supervised through the adult probation and parole division of the CD. The purpose of the program is to assist women released from incarceration to live more independently and to obtain more self-sufficiency.

Significant Issues

CD reports this appropriation would assist the department in providing community corrections programs for women released from incarceration. Women who are approaching their parole date often have difficulty finding a suitable residence after release from incarceration. Providing women who are released from prison with various support programs may reduce their chances of recidivism.

Most of the CD's community corrections programs are funded through the community corrections grant fund that consists of non-reverting general fund appropriations. Some of the department's community corrections programs are funded in the operating budget which consists of reverting general fund appropriations.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

SB10 appropriates $150.0 from the general fund to the CD community corrections program for expenditure in fiscal year 2001. The bill provides that any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund.

CD reports this appropriation should be sufficient to provide for increased programs for many of the women released from incarceration in fiscal year 2001.

According to CD, SB10 might also result in a minimal increase in revenues. Women who otherwise might serve their parole term in prison may be released on parole or probationary supervision and may obtain employment and begin to pay the supervision fees.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

According to CD, in the short term, there will be a slight increase in the administrative burden on staff required to administer the additional funds. Some of the additional funds may be used for contract services. The department would absorb the additional impact.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

Most appropriations for community corrections programs are made to the Community Corrections Grant Fund.

LAT/gm