Connecticut House Bill HB06083

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/11
• Refer: 1/25/11

Caption

An Act Requiring The Sentencing Of Nonviolent Offenders To Take Into Account The Costs Of Incarceration Versus Alternatives To Incarceration.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06083 could lead to significant shifts in how nonviolent offenses are handled within the penal system. By considering the financial aspects of incarceration versus alternatives, the bill may help reduce overall penal costs for the state. Moreover, promoting alternatives to incarceration could potentially decrease prison overcrowding and encourage rehabilitation, contributing to lower recidivism rates. Such changes are likely to be beneficial not only for the state budget but also for community safety and reintegration efforts for offenders.

Summary

House Bill 06083 proposes an important amendment to the state's sentencing practices for nonviolent offenders. The bill mandates that before a sentencing decision is made, prosecutors must present estimates of the costs associated with different sentencing options. This includes a comparison of the financial implications of traditional incarceration against community-based alternatives. The primary aim of the bill is to promote a more cost-effective approach to managing nonviolent offenders while encouraging rehabilitation rather than merely punitive measures.

Contention

However, the bill may face contention from various stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Proponents argue that it addresses the financial burden of incarceration on taxpayers and seeks more humane approaches for nonviolent offenders. Detractors may raise concerns regarding the efficacy of community-based alternatives, questioning whether they can adequately safeguard public safety. Additionally, there may be debate over whether financial considerations should take precedence over judicial discretion in sentencing, potentially leading to discussions about equity and justice within the sentencing process.