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.