FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 30, 2019
Time Requested: 02:48 PM
Agency: Corrections & Rehabilitation, Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2725 Introduced HB2751
CBD Subject: Crime


FUND(S):

General Revenue

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

Decreases Existing Revenue



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The ability for judges to select lesser sentences than those prescribed by law would lead to reduced costs for the State of West Virginia. The average cost per offender per year in FY2018 was $25,879. For each year of incarceration avoided due to this bill the State would save $25,879. However, we cannot predict how often or to what extent Judges would utilize these options.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2019
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2020
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


Please explain increases and decreases in personal services, current expenses, repairs and alterations, assets, other costs and revenues, including assumptions and data sources and delineation between start-up and ongoing costs. Please also include a long-range schedule of costs and revenues if fiscal impact is expected to vary in future years.



Memorandum


The bill does not define "mandatory" or "prescribed minimum" sentences, nor does it clarify how this new option would work with determinate vs. indeterminate sentences. It is also unclear if this option would be available for the determination of parole eligibility dates.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Brad Douglas, WVDCR Chief of Staff
    Email Address: brad.t.douglas@wv.gov