Raised Bill No. 443 - Summary

• Establishes a pretrial alcohol intervention program for persons charged with alcohol-related violations, consisting of a 12-session alcohol education component or substance use treatment program (15+ sessions), effective October 1, 2020.

• Establishes a pretrial drug intervention and community service program for persons charged with drug violations, consisting of a 12-session drug education component or substance use treatment program (15+ sessions) plus community service days, effective October 1, 2020.

• Sets application fees at $100 (credited to Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund) and evaluation fees at $150 (credited to pretrial account), with program fees of $500-$600 for education components, waivable for indigent participants.

• Allows courts to deny applications if the alleged violation caused serious physical injury to another person unless good cause is shown, and requires notice to victims with opportunity to be heard.

• Permits participants to seek dismissal of charges upon successful program completion; unsuccessful participants may request reinstatement up to two times with additional fees, and program records are maintained for 10 years.