CORRECTIONS IMPACT STATEMENT

BR# 1268

Bill Number: SB 155

Subject: AN ACT relating to crimes and punishments.

Sponsor(s): R. Jones II

Introduction Date:02/07/05 Assignment Date:

Due Date:

Text of Legislation:

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 218A, relating to controlled substances, to require life imprisonment without the benefit of probation or parole for twenty-five years upon conviction of third or subsequent qualifying trafficking offense; amend KRS 218A.010 to define "qualifying trafficking offense"; and amend KRS 218A.1412, 218A.1413, and 218A.1414 to conform.

Summary Impact -- Indicate affected service levels, workloads, staff and program areas (describe any coordination issues with other state/external agencies or groups):

The bill would incarcerate inmates for a term of life without the benefit of probation or parole for 25 years. This would significantly lengthen sentences over current standards. While the impact would not be felt for many years, consideration would need to be made for the growing problem of the aging of the inmate population and how this particular bill would impact that problem. In fiscal year 04, there were 200 persons incarcerated under current statutes listed in the bill, which may reflect a second offense of drug trafficking or more.

Fiscal Impact -- Also include increased/decreased administrative cost and whether new fund sources would be required (identify fund sources, and GOPM staff person consulted): There would be an increase in fiscal spending as sentences reached a point where the sentence extended beyond current sentence guidelines. NOTE: In all cases, consideration should be given to the cumulative impact of all bills that increase the felon population or that impose new obligations on the Department of Corrections

Will Administrative Regulations be required or will existing regulations need revision? Yes No

Approved By: Date

Title: Commissioner Expand Sections or Attach Additional Page(s) if needed. Revised: