SB 484 (2008): establishing a commission to study the sentencing, incarceration, and recidivism of criminal offenders in order to enhance public safety and improve the criminal justice system's cost effectiveness.

SB 484 (2008)

establishing a commission to study the sentencing, incarceration, and recidivism of criminal offenders in order to enhance public safety and improve the criminal justice system's cost effectiveness.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2007-2008
• House committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
• Senate committee: Public and Municipal Affairs
• Subject: Study Committees and Commissions
• Chapter law: 376

The Story

It was introduced on January 2, 2008 and referred to the Senate Public and Municipal Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 10, 2008. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it with changes. The committee's amendment (0949) was adopted on a voice vote on March 13, 2008, changing the text of the bill. On March 13, 2008 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 19, 2008 and was referred to the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 3, 2008. The committee held a work session on April 15, 2008. The committee met in executive session on April 22, 2008 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 16–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 1318h). The committee's amendment (1318h) was adopted on a voice vote on April 30, 2008, changing the text of the bill. On April 30, 2008 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 21, 2008 the Senate voted to reject the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Hassan. A committee of conference met on May 28, 2008 to try to settle the differences between the two chambers' versions of the bill. An enrolled bill amendment (2169) was adopted on June 4, 2008. These correct technical errors found after passage. The bill was enrolled on June 5, 2008 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor — and an enrolled bill amendment (2169) was adopted to correct technical errors found after passage. The bill was enrolled on June 20, 2008 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 15, 2008, making it Chapter 376 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Sen. Margaret Hassan (D - SD23) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Peter Burling (D - SD5)
• Sen. Kathleen Sgambati (D - SD4)
• Sen. Harold Janeway (D - SD7)
• Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D - SD20)
• Rep. Marshall Quandt (R - Rock 13)
• Rep. William Knowles (D - Straf 6)
• Rep. David Cote (D - Hills 23)
• Rep. David Welch (R - Rock 8)

Hearings and Sessions

• March 10, 2008, 9:15 AM: hearing, Senate Public and Municipal Affairs, LOB 101
• April 3, 2008, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 204
• April 15, 2008, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 204
• April 22, 2008, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LOB 204
• May 28, 2008, 9:00 AM: committee of conference, LOB 101

Votes

• March 13, 2008, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment{0949} — voice vote, passed
• April 30, 2008, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment #1318h — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2008, Senate: Nonconcur with House Am{1318}; Requests C of C — voice vote, passed

The Docket

From the General Court

• Bill status page
• Docket
• HC 32
• HC 42