CS/HB 917 Summary

• Directs the Department of Corrections to develop and administer a reentry program for nonviolent offenders convicted of third-degree felonies (excluding forcible felonies and sexual offenses) to reduce incarceration periods through intensive substance abuse treatment and rehabilitative programming.

• Requires eligible nonviolent offenders to have served at least one-half of their original sentence and be identified as needing substance abuse treatment; program participants must serve a minimum of 120 days in the reentry program.

• Establishes sentencing court approval process with notice to state attorneys, who have 14 days to file objections; courts must respond within 28 days or approval is automatic; courts that approve participants must place them on drug offender probation upon successful completion.

• Mandates comprehensive assessments including substance abuse and educational evaluations, adult education enrollment for those without high school diplomas, and vocational skills assessments with periodic reevaluations during program participation.

• Requires Department of Corrections to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing implementation, recidivism tracking of successful program completers, and future recommendations; effective October 1, 2011.