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Bill would create dedicated unit to write pre‑sentence reports for serious crimes (SB 89)
Summary
Sen. Laura Smith sponsored SB 89 to add a Department of Corrections unit of 14 FTEs to produce higher‑quality, timely pre‑sentence investigation reports for sex and violent offenders; proponents said the measure would reduce sentencing delays and improve placement decisions while opponents asked for more data and raised fiscal questions.
Senator Laura Smith (West and Northwest Helena; sponsor) told the Senate Judiciary Committee that Senate Bill 89 creates a new unit in the Department of Corrections to handle pre‑sentence investigations (PSIs) for sex and violent offenders. Smith said PSIs are detailed, time‑consuming reports that include victim interviews, mental‑health and chemical‑dependency evaluations, criminal history, collateral contacts and other records judges use to structure sentences and treatment.
The bill would fund 14 full‑time positions (PSI writers) in the Department of Corrections to produce…
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