JOINT JUDICIARY INTERIM COMMITTEE

Standard Budget:     $55,000.00

Priority #: 1     Juvenile Justice

The Committee will receive reports and consider areas for possible improvement to the juvenile justice system, including jurisdiction, data collection, procedural improvements and more effective use of state and court resources.

Priority #: 2      Mental Health and Involuntary Commitment

The Committee will examine legal issues and concerns with respect to mental health treatment and facilities and the  involuntary civil commitment, specifically procedural process to reduce the costs to the State. [Modified by Management Council]

Priority #: 3     Detention and Sentencing

The Committee will review statutes relating to sentencing and detention, including probation, parole and criminal history records, supervision and apprehension of offenders and post-conviction relief issues.

Priority #: 4     Alternative Sentencing Options

The Committee will study potential programs and options for sentencing aimed at reducing state and community costs and decreasing  recidivism, including the treatment and sentencing for drug and alcohol offenses (24/7 Sobriety Program) and home incarceration.

Priority #: 5     Criminal statutes and penalties

The Committee will consider possible options for uniformity and simplification of statutes imposing criminal penalties, specifically misdemeanors, and will review the elements of certain criminal offenses, specifically aggravated assault and second degree murder.

Priority #: 6     Court Reporters

The Committee will receive reports relating to court reporters and investigate the need for legislation to address issues specific to reporting of court proceedings.

Priority #: 7      Informational Reports

The Committee will receive information regarding various judiciary matters including jury pool selection and game wardens/state park rangers law enforcement duties.

Priority # 8 Agency Budget Review

The Committee will review proposed 2%, 4% and 6% budget cuts as submitted by the supervised agencies designated for the Committee's review last interim, except for Courts which will be subject to review of proposed budget cuts of 2%. [Study added by Management Council]

Priority #: 9  Real Property – Trespassers.

The Committee will consider and evaluate if it would be appropriate to propose legislation to reject the Restatement of the Law 3rd with respect to possessors of real property and trespassers. [Study added by Management Council]

Tentative Meeting Schedule:

The Committee plans to hold three two-day meetings tentatively scheduled as follows:

May 13-14, 2013:  Jackson Hole  (Red Top Meadows Residential youth treatment facility)

July 18-19, 2013:  Lusk  (Wyoming Women's Center)

November 7-8, 2013: Laramie (Wyoming Cathedral Home for Children)

Funding Request

In addition to the standard budget, the Committee requests $1,000 for per diem and mileage for members who wish to travel to and tour state institutions outside of committee meetings.