Bill > S1275

This bill expands the use of community corrections programs, which are alternatives to traditional incarceration, for individuals who are awaiting trial or have been convicted of crimes. Specifically, it allows the commissioner of corrections or administrators of county correctional facilities, with approval from the commissioner of probation, to place female prisoners held for trial into these programs. It also permits sheriffs and other jail officials to place individuals charged with crimes and committed for trial into community corrections programs, also requiring approval from the commissioner of probation. Furthermore, the bill enables the commissioner or county correctional facility administrators to place inmates into community corrections programs for re-entry and reintegration purposes, or for community supervision of those held for trial. The bill also clarifies that participation in a community corrections program can be ordered by a court as an alternative to bail or as a condition of release, and that these programs can be used by the probation department for pretrial supervision. The term "pre-trial detainees" refers to individuals held in jail before their trial, and "criminal defendants" are individuals formally accused of a crime.