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Panel backs bill letting solicitors place defendants into pretrial intervention more than once, amid concerns
Summary
The committee gave H.3057 a favorable report; the bill allows a solicitor, with consent, to place a person into pretrial intervention more than once (except for prior criminal domestic violence PTI), prompting debate over open-ended discretion, victims' voice and fees.
House Bill 3057, which would allow a solicitor to consent to a defendant's participation in pretrial intervention (PTI) more than once, received a favorable report from the House Judiciary Committee.
Mr. Weeks presented the bill and explained it mirrors language that passed in a prior session; the bill leaves the solicitor with discretion to permit multiple PTI entries but specifically disallows a second PTI for prior criminal domestic violence charges. "The solicitor is directly in control of that," Mr. Weeks said.
Committee members expressed concerns about the lack of numerical limits and about maintaining victims' input and accountability. Mr. Quinn said open-ended PTI "kinda defeats the purpose" of diversion if it can be used without limitation. Supporters, including Representative Rutherford and Mr. Bannister, argued PTI can provide treatment and reduce recidivism compared with fines, and that solicitors are accountable to voters.
Members also discussed fees and administrative details; a committee exchange in the hearing noted an initial application fee of $100 and an additional $250 fee prior to admission as the statutory fee structure for PTI applications.
The committee voted to give H.3057 a favorable report; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript, and the chair announced "Ayes have it." The bill will advance for further consideration.
