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Committee advances bill to standardize batterer-intervention programs and tie completion to probation when local programs exist
Summary
Senator Taylor's bill would require certified batterer-intervention programs to be available statewide and, where a certified program exists in a county, judges giving probation must direct participation and completion. Witnesses cited reduced recidivism in pilot sites; senators raised access, cost and scope concerns before advancing the bill to finance.
Senator Taylor presented legislation to create statewide standards for certified batterer-intervention programs and to require completion as a condition of probation where a certified program is available in the defendant's county.
Michelle Johns of the Women's Advocacy Center told the committee that intensive, evidence-based programs can reduce recidivism by substantial margins in jurisdictions that use them, asserting: "This bill holds offenders accountable and also offers a path towards reducing recidivism." Committee members questioned program costs, geographic access for rural counties, and whether the statutory definition of "domestic violence" could sweep in cases that are not the bill's intent.
Sponsors said the bill preserves judicial discretion where no certified program exists locally and that some curriculum can be delivered online. After extended questioning and an amendment to clarify scope and certification, the committee voted to advance the bill to the finance committee for budget review and further consideration.
Provenance: testimony and debate are recorded in the transcript (timeline SEG 2250'SEG 2931).
