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Committee rejects amendment and moves to 'do not pass' on misdemeanor diversion bill after debate
Summary
Members amended and debated Senate Bill 2111, considered an amendment to limit changes to non-physical-harm class B misdemeanors, the amendment failed and the committee subsequently moved a do-not-pass recommendation.
The Senate Judiciary Committee debated an amendment to Senate Bill 2111 that would have confined the bill’s treatment of class B misdemeanors to those not involving physical harm; the amendment failed and the committee ultimately moved a do-not-pass recommendation on the bill.
Senator Castaneda offered an amendment clarifying the bill should apply only to class B misdemeanors that “do not involve instances of physical harm or bodily injury.” The amendment was seconded by Senator Lewick. On the roll-call vote the amendment did not pass.
Committee members then discussed broader policy concerns, including the possibility that removing diversion options from judicial oversight could result in judges resorting to incarceration to secure treatment or supervision for defendants. Chair Larson voiced hesitation about taking diversion authority off the judge’s plate without alternative capacity to supervise cases.
After discussion, Senator Castaneda moved a do-not-pass recommendation on SB 2111, seconded by Senator Paulson. The committee vote on the do-not-pass motion carried; the chair indicated she would vote in favor of the do-not-pass and the committee will revisit the bill as needed in the future.
