Horsford: State Can Save $13 Million by Turning Those in Trouble in a Better Direction
Source: Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford
Apr 13, 2009 - 5:58:25 PM
Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford testifies on behalf of legislation for intermediate sanctions
(Carson City) – The Senate Finance Committee considered SB 398, legislation that would establish an intermediate sanctions program for non-violent drug offenders. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford the legislation would develop a pilot program of intermediate sanctions programs throughout the state to manage two key segments of the Nevada inmate population that are contributing to Nevada’s high incarceration population.
First, the programs would manage parole and probation violators convicted of non-violent drug offenses, a population that is better served through intermediate sanctions. These individuals make up 26% of Nevada’s prison population and cost the state $22,000 per year per inmate. Second, the programs would serve non-violent drug or alcohol offenders that need treatment so that they don’t re-offend.
Intermediate sanctions programs in other states have been shown to reduce the number of inmates who commit repeat offenses and reduce probation and parole violations, at lower costs to the state. Senator Horsford testified that the pilot project proposed in SB 398 will save an estimated $13 million for the State.
“Investing in an intermediate sanctions program is a cost-saving measure for the state and helps those Nevadans who have the possibility of leading productive lives get back on their feet,” said Senator Steven Horsford. “Providing these individuals with the alcohol and drug treatment they need, means that they can get back to leading productive lives and the state no longer has to spend the money necessary for their incarceration. We need to go to the root of these crimes-substance abuse and dependence.”
In committee testimony, SB 398 was supported by a broad group of stakeholders including the Nevada District Attorney’s Association, public defenders, Nevada Division of Corrections, Division of Parole and Probation, Division of Health and Human Services, as well as community substance abuse providers.
Company Tracker: Additional articles on - Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford
Business News:
Error: Program was unable to connect to the MySQL database 'lvtsg3_biznews' on 'localhost'.
The reason given was: Access denied for user 'lvtsg3_mgdamore'@'localhost' to database 'lvtsg3_biznews'
SinCity-247:
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Entertainment Calendar:
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
