Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery says, among other issues, Senate Bill 136, the Criminal Justice Efficiency and Safety Act of 2017, doesn’t adequately address the main issues. The legislation proposes reducing the state’s prison population by letting those with minor offenses go to county jails or community corrections up to six times before being sent to prison.
Local Senator Scott Flippo recently voted in favor of the bill. Senator Missy Irvin was opposed and Senator Linda Collins-Smith voted present.
Montgomery says the bill, introduced by Republican Senator Jeremy Hutchinson, has been amended, in his estimate, ten to twelve times due to concerns he, along with other sheriffs and prosecuting attorneys, has. Some attorneys argue the bill takes away the ability to revoke probation.
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Local Senator Scott Flippo recently voted in favor of the bill. Senator Missy Irvin was opposed and Senator Linda Collins-Smith voted present.
Montgomery says the bill, introduced by Republican Senator Jeremy Hutchinson, has been amended, in his estimate, ten to twelve times due to concerns he, along with other sheriffs and prosecuting attorneys, has. Some attorneys argue the bill takes away the ability to revoke probation.
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Another problem, according to Montgomery, is the passage of Act 570 in 2011 which put many more on probation than the system could handle.
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Sheriff Montgomery says the bill also does nothing to address those who commit crimes more than six times with out any significant repercussion.
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Even though he’s not jumping up and down for joy over the bill, Montgomery says he is pleased it addresses some of the mental health issues some prisoners face. The proposal would create crisis intervention centers for the mentally ill.
Senate Bill 136 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday.
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