HI HB2001

Establishes a temporary Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform within the Governor's Office to develop statewide sentencing and corrections policies that reduce the prison population by an unspecified percentage by an unspecified year.

Commission consists of 26 specified members including the governor, legislative chairs, directors of state agencies, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and representatives from civil rights organizations, nonprofits, academia, and community groups.

Commission must focus on four cornerstones—education, health, strong families and support groups, and poverty—when developing its statewide plan, with specific directives for each area such as prenatal care, job training for prisoners, and affordable housing.

Commission shall review state sentencing policies, mandatory minimum sentences, the three-strikes law, probation practices, and felony theft thresholds with the goal of reducing corrections spending and reinvesting savings in public safety and recidivism reduction strategies.

Commission must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2018 regular session; the commission ceases to exist June 30, 2018.