HB 2070 Summary

• Authorizes law enforcement officers to establish prearrest diversion programs and issue civil citations to adults 18+ who commit nonviolent misdemeanors instead of making arrests.

• Requires eligible recipients to admit to the offense, have no previous arrests, and not have previously received a civil citation; victim must not object if the offense involves a victim.

• Mandates participants receive assessment, intervention, education, behavioral health services, perform community restitution, and pay victim restitution as program requirements.

• Allows law enforcement to request criminal charges if participant fails to complete the program; successful completion means no arrest record for that offense.

• Defines nonviolent misdemeanor offenses as disorderly conduct, theft under $50, underage alcohol possession, marijuana possession of 20 grams or less, providing alcohol to minors, and criminal trespass.