Committee backs bill letting solicitors permit multiple pretrial interventions with consent

The Judiciary Committee advanced H.3057 after a presentation by Mr. Weeks. The bill would allow a solicitor to consent to an individual participating in a pretrial intervention (PTI) program more than once; the bill explicitly prevents repeat PTI for prior participation based on a criminal domestic-violence charge.

Mr. Weeks said the measure mirrors language that passed previously and places the decision in the solicitor's discretion. Representative Rutherford and supporters argued the change gives solicitors another tool to provide treatment and reduce recidivism, with Rutherford saying the goal is to "touch as many people as possible that come through the system." Critics, including Mr. Quinn and other members, expressed concern about the open-ended nature of the authorization, the absence of explicit limits and the need to protect victims' voices.

Committee members also discussed fees and whether there should be different fees or caps for repeat PTI participation; a member noted statutory application and admission fees (discussed at $100 initial and $250 prior to admission in committee remarks). The committee gave H.3057 a favorable report.