HB783 Summary

• Authorizes the District Attorney of the Forty-first Judicial Circuit in Blount County to establish and administer a pretrial diversion program under the district attorney's direct supervision and control.

• Allows persons charged with drug possession, property offenses, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and certain other crimes (excluding Class A felonies, serious physical injuries, death, and forcible sex offenses) to apply for diversion within 45 days of warrant service or within 21 days of counsel appointment.

• Requires offenders to pay nonrefundable assessment fees of $25 per charge plus program fees up to $1,000 for felonies, $500 for misdemeanors, $300 for traffic offenses, and $200 for violations, with fees waivable or reducible based on financial circumstances.

• Requires written agreements outlining program terms and conditions, which may include school attendance, employment, counseling, community service, restitution, drug testing, and other rehabilitative requirements specified by the district attorney.

• Establishes a Pretrial Diversion Fund with collected fees distributed 90% to the district attorney for law enforcement purposes and 10% to the Blount County Children's Center; allows termination of participation for program violations with written notice.