Committee approves bill allowing judges to order certified batterers intervention programs

Chairman White explained House Bill 661 as a measure to expand use of certified batterers intervention programs as alternatives within sentencing and sentencing‑adjacent options. He described minimum program requirements (26–48 weeks, 1 counselor per 6 defendants, classes up to 2 hours) and said judges could direct defendants to certified programs; failure to complete the program would permit a court to reinstate a prior sentence.

Representative Johnson and others raised concerns about breadth and whether the bill would force inappropriate participants—such as non‑partner altercation defendants or people needing substance‑use or anger‑management programs—into a batterers program that does not address their needs. Johnson also asked about indigent defendants who could not afford program fees. White and other proponents said judges retain discretion in sentencing and noted the program already exists in about 40 counties; they encouraged refinement and data collection to measure effectiveness.

Committee members sought outcome data; the sponsor said comprehensive evaluation data were not available in committee but noted that the program is in roughly 40 counties. After discussion the committee voted to send HB661 as amended to Finance, Ways and Means; the clerk reported 17 ayes, 1 no and 2 present not voting.

Next steps: the bill will be considered in the Finance, Ways and Means committee for fiscal review and possible amendments that address costs or eligibility concerns.