Senate committee passes corrections bill reclassifying long-term absconding and adjusting program stays

Senator Tucker presented SB311 on behalf of the Department of Corrections, describing two primary changes to Act 423: (1) absconding from supervision for more than six months would be treated as a serious violation rather than automatically as a technical violation, and (2) program-length language enacted earlier doubled intended lengths and the department seeks modest adjustments to match operational experience.

Secretary Solomon Graves and Director Jerry Bradshaw of the Division of Community Corrections answered committee questions, explaining that the department uses an offender violation guide with graduated intermediate sanctions (additional reporting, electronic monitoring, group sessions, short county jail stays) for low- to medium-level violations. The bill retains a statutory sentencing cap that allows up to 60 days confinement for technical violations while clarifying the absconding threshold.

Committee members asked whether the change would permit repeated upward adjustments if authority were broad; DOC officials said any recommended change would go to the board and then to the legislative council for ratification. Senator Johnson moved to pass SB311; Senator Ballinger seconded, and the chair announced the motion carried.

Committee discussion emphasized proportional sanctions and existing waiver or forgiveness options for indigent or low-risk residents. No public witnesses testified for or against the bill in committee.