Plain English Breakdown
The bill summary does not specify that the rule applies regardless of other laws, so this claim was removed.
Changes to Probation for Drug Offenses
This bill requires judges to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation for first-time drug violations by people on felony probation.
What This Bill Does
- Requires a judge to order substance abuse treatment if a person on felony probation violates it with a drug offense, but only for the first time.
Who It Names or Affects
- People on felony probation who violate their probation with a drug offense
- Judges handling cases where people are accused of violating probation
Terms To Know
- Preponderance of the evidence
- The amount of proof needed to believe something is more likely true than not.
- Felony offense
- A serious crime that can lead to a prison sentence of at least one year.
Limits and Unknowns
- It's unclear how many people will use state funds for substance abuse treatment.
- The exact decrease in incarceration costs due to fewer probation revocations is unknown.