HB 5442 Summary

• Expands eligibility for special alternative incarceration (SAI) units to all prisoners with indeterminate sentences regardless of when sentenced, previously limited to those sentenced after March 19, 1992.

• Requires the department to notify sentencing judges, prosecuting attorneys, and crime victims of proposed SAI placements at least 30 days in advance, with victims receiving information about their right to submit impact statements.

• Adds victim notification rights requiring judges to review victim impact statements before approving placements, with written judicial approval required before placement can occur.

• Establishes specific program requirements including validated risk assessments, community service provider interaction, discharge planning, and community follow-up services at SAI units.

• Requires annual third-party evaluations of program implementation and success rates, measured by parole violation rates, new offenses, and recidivism among participants.