SB 24 - Extend Maximum Period of Probation CHAIRMAN PORTER said that he, REP. JAMES and REP. PHILLIPS heard SB 24 already. He explained that the bill asks that the allowable time for probation be extended from five years to ten years. He asked if there was any discussion among the committee members who did not hear the bill previously. Number 510 REP. PHILLIPS wanted to note for the record that this change was recommended by the Sentencing Commission, and that there was no negative testimony when the bill was previously heard. Number 520 REP. JAMES moved to move SB 24 out with zero fiscal notes and individual recommendations. REP. CLIFF DAVIDSON asked how they could explain a zero fiscal note while engaging the resources of the state for another five years. Number 540 CHAIRMAN PORTER explained that this question had come up in the previous hearing, and noted the extension would not take effect for five years. So for the next five years, as called for on the regular fiscal note, there is no fiscal impact. What is hoped for, and he saw no reason why this hope should not come into play, but the balancing off of the courts having a little more discretion in how long to lay in probation for, might actually decrease the amount of time given in the first place, so the amount of probation occurring from five to ten years would hopefully be more than offset by reduced sentencing in the first place. Having the ability to place someone on probation for a longer period of time might somewhat reduce the amount of sentencing they received in the first place. It costs less to keep a person on probation than to reincarcerate them again. He then asked if there was further discussion on SB 24. Number 560 REP. PHILLIPS made motion to move SB 24 with individual recommendations and zero fiscal notes. The bill was moved.