Senate Bill 427 Summary

• Creates the Punishment Standards Commission Task Force to operate until November 30, 2012, with responsibility for reviewing criminal sentencing practices and laws and recommending improvements to the state's criminal justice system.

• Establishes an 11-member task force consisting of 2 Senate members, 2 House members, the Governor, Attorney General, Chief Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, Director of Corrections, Administrative Director of the Courts, one District Attorney's Council representative, and one Pardon and Parole Board representative.

• Requires appointments by August 31, 2011, and the first meeting by September 30, 2011, with a chair elected by majority vote; staff support provided by the Department of Corrections, Senate, and House.

• Members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for travel expenses through their respective agencies or appointing authorities in accordance with the State Travel Reimbursement Act.

• Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House by November 30, 2012; declares an emergency for immediate implementation.