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SB 1660 cleared unanimously to create offender surcharge fund, adds staff and assessments
Summary
Senate Bill 1660, which establishes an offender surcharge fund, creates a new assessment on certain offenders, appropriates $200,000 and 2 full-time equivalent positions, and alters the offender management board membership, received a unanimous 7–0 due-pass recommendation from the committee.
The Arizona House Government Committee voted unanimously to give Senate Bill 1660 a due-pass recommendation after committee staff and a victim-services representative described the measure's intent and background.
Staff explained that SB 16 60 "establishes the offender surcharge fund, details the administration of this fund and appropriates $200,000 in 2 full time equivalent positions to this fund. Additionally, the bill creates additional assessments to be levied on persons convicted of specified offenses and alters the membership of the offender management board." The staff explanation noted the bill models governance practices used in other states and focuses on standards for supervising certain offenders.
Beth Goulden of the Pinal County Attorney's Office testified in support, described her background supervising sexual-offense cases in Maricopa County probation and said the bill would support a board to make treatment and supervision recommendations. "This legislation is modeled after the state of Colorado, which is considered the gold standard of offender risk management," Goulden said, and she described the bill's intent to ensure consistent standards and board support.
No members opposed at the hearing. The committee returned the bill with a 7–0 vote.
Votes at a glance: SB 1660 — due pass recommendation; yeas 7, nays 0.
The bill advances with an appropriation and specified staffing; committee members asked staff to communicate the committee recommendation to the senator.
