Joint Judiciary Committee Meeting Summary (July 8-9, 2002)

The Joint Judiciary Interim Committee met on July 8 and 9, 2002 in Casper.  The Committee met to consider legislation regarding Title 14 revisions presented by a working group formed under the auspices of the Department of Family Services.  The Committee received testimony regarding a potential proposal to establish the Board of Parole as a separate operating entity apart from the Department of Corrections.  The Committee toured a community-based probation and parole office in Casper and the Community Alternatives of Casper.  The Department of Corrections presented the Committee with a report describing the recent escape of an inmate from the Wyoming State Penitentiary and the actions the Department was taking to prevent future such escapes.

The Committee will meet again on September 19 and 20, 2002 in Casper to consider amendments to legislation regarding the Title 14 revisions and legislation related to the Uniform Trust Code.  The Committee will also consider a number of potential bills related to corrections, including proposed draft legislation relating to the Board of Parole, the Community Corrections Act, and other bills that may be developed by the Department of Corrections.  Specifically, the Committee will consider alternatives to address expanding the correctional system infrastructure, including how to structure a potential correctional facility if one is to be built, what level of prisoners would be housed at that facility, what types of programs will be offered, and the physical location of the facility.  To aid the Committee in the deliberations with respect to expanding the correctional system infrastructure, a consultant with the National Institute of Corrections has been invited to attend the meeting to testify on the operations of public and private prisons.

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