FISCAL NOTE TO


[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 2203


STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: JULY 16, 1997

 

Senate Bill No. 2203 (1R) of 1997 establishes a Parole Advisory Board in, but not of, the Bureau of Parole. The board would review and comment on the development and implementation of supervision standards, drug and alcohol treatment programs for inmates and parolees, and any special assignments requested by the Commissioner of Corrections. The advisory board is to pass on any recommendations it may have on these matters to the Commissioner of Corrections, the Parole Board, the Governor and the Legislature. It would also sponsor conferences with criminal justice administrators and community members, including treatment providers, on a variety of related issues.

      The panel, which would consist of 23 members, representing a wide variety of agencies and organizations that have an interest in supervision and treatment programs for inmates and parolees would utilize the staff resources of the Bureau of Parole and meet at least semiannually.

      The Department of Corrections states that according to the bill, members of the Parole Advisory Bill would serve without compensation, but would be entitled for reimbursement for actual expenses of serving on the board. It is anticipated that these expenses would be primarily related to any travel necessary to attend meetings which would be held at least twice a year. The department notes that it is likely that additional expenses would nominal. However, this depends upon the number of hearings to be held and whether stenographic and clerical assistance other than Bureau of Parole staff must be used beyond the normal workday or at the usual worksite.

Therefore, it is not possible to accurately predict whether additional funding will be necessary as a result of the creation of the Parole Advisory Board.

      The Office of Legislative Services concurs.

 

This fiscal note has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67.