Legislature(1999 - 2000)
02/02/2000 01:36 PM Senate JUD
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HCR 11-SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FOR OFFENDERS
MR. PETER TORKELSON, staff of Representative Dyson, stated that HCR
11 is a statement of priorities for the Department of Corrections.
Substance abuse treatment should be the number one priority and
without treatment offenders will be back.
COMMISSIONER MARGARET PUGH, Department of Corrections (DOC), stated
DOC is pleased this resolution has been introduced. Substance
abuse is a large public health problem in Alaska and factors
heavily in the criminal justice system. DOC is committed to
offering a continuum of care for the treatment of alcoholism and
substance abuse. Last year a treatment program for female
offenders was started, and hopefully, that program will be expanded
to the male population this year.
SENATOR TORGERSON commented that on page 2 of the bill it is stated
"Alaska may redirect and restructure resources to provide
standardized screening and culturally appropriate substance abuse
treatment in the corrections system." He asked if DOC was going to
create more than one standard.
COMMISSIONER PUGH responded this section was added to underscore
the importance of a program recognizing the Native culture.
SENATOR TORGERSON responded it sounds expensive and if the
legislation is enacted it would need a fiscal note.
COMMISSIONER PUGH responded that volunteers and elders of the
community currently implement the cultural programs.
SENATOR TORGERSON asked what the sanctions for offenders are.
COMMISSIONER PUGH answered there is a zero tolerance policy for
substance abuse in institutions. An offender is sanctioned for the
introduction or use of contraband while in an institution and this
is done by loss of privilege and loss of good time.
SENATOR TORGERSON asked if legislation is needed to provide
sanctions.
COMMISSIONER PUGH responded no, this is already part of the
statutes and regulations.
SENATOR TORGERSON asked the Commissioner if this legislation really
has a zero fiscal note.
COMMISSIONER PUGH answered yes, as a resolution, but if there were
more specific requirements from a bill the requirements would have
to be addressed separately.
Number 522
SENATOR ELLIS asked if this legislation would take resources from
existing programs to fund substance abuse programs.
COMMISSIONER PUGH responded no.
SENATOR DONLEY asked the Commissioner to give more details on
sanctions imposed.
COMMISSIONER PUGH replied loss of custody status and time in
segregation.
SENATOR DONLEY stated the resolution calls for failure to comply
with court ordered treatment and asked what the sanctions are for
that.
COMMISSIONER PUGH responded DOC has the ability to revoke probation
or parole in advance of release.
MS. SARAH WILLIAMS, DOC, added furloughs can be withheld if a
person does not follow through with treatment recommended by the
court, and opportunities to participate in activities are sometimes
denied.
SENATOR ELLIS complemented the sponsor and stated he hoped the
committee would support the legislation.
MS. VALERIE THERRIAN, Advisory Board on Alcohol and Drug Abuse,
stated the board supports HCR 11. The board feels that treatment
for people who are still in jail may provide for less recidivism.
SENATOR DONLEY asked whether DOC has a written policy regarding
prisoners who refuse to comply with court ordered substance abuse
programs.
COMMISSIONER PUGH answered there are policies on anticipatory
revocation.
MS. WILLIAMS added there are many more inmates on waiting lists for
treatment than those whose refuse court ordered treatment.
CHAIRMAN TAYLOR asked why there is a waiting list.
MS. WILLIAMS responded care providers can only handle a limited
amount of clients at one time. Fast turn around time also requires
more time spent on processing and further placement--there are not
enough resources to meet the demand.
SENATOR DONLEY moved HJR 11 from committee with individual
recommendations. Without objection, HJR 11 moved from committee
with individual recommendations.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|