Panel backs bill letting solicitors refer people to pretrial intervention more than once

The House Judiciary Committee gave a favorable report to House Bill 3057, which would let solicitors consent to someone participating in pretrial intervention (PTI) more than once — with a statutory bar remaining for a second PTI participation involving criminal domestic violence.

Mr. Weeks described the bill as lifting a prior statutory bar on repeat PTI when the solicitor agrees, and he noted an exception preventing a second PTI for domestic-violence charges. “Currently, there is a bar against someone participating in a pretrial intervention program if they previously participated in such a program,” Weeks said; the bill would permit repeat participation with solicitor consent.

Rep. Quinn asked whether the measure creates an unlimited number of PTI opportunities if a solicitor signs off. Committee members answered that the solicitor retains sole discretion and that the bill mirrors language used previously in a prior session. Rep. Rutherford defended the change as giving solicitors tools to reduce recidivism, saying PTI can allow counseling and monitored programs that a simple fine would not provide.

Others urged safeguards. Rep. Kennedy and Rep. Quinn raised concerns about an open-ended program and the need to protect victims’ input; members also asked about fees and whether PTI staff or solicitors supported the change. Committee discussion noted fees referenced in statute — an initial $100 application fee and a $250 fee prior to admission — and members encouraged amendments if fee adjustments were appropriate.

The committee called the question and approved a favorable report on H.3057.

The bill would leave decisions about repeat PTI to local solicitors if enacted; committee discussion focused on balancing treatment opportunities and victim protections.