THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE BILL

INTRODUCED BY GREENLEAF, TARTAGLIONE, FONTANA, ERICKSON, STOUT, GORDNER, TOMLINSON, BAKER, WILLIAMS, FERLO, BROWNE, M. WHITE, COSTA, EARLL, O'PAKE, LEACH AND WOZNIAK, JANUARY 29, 2009

SENATOR CORMAN, APPROPRIATIONS, RE-REPORTED AS AMENDED, JUNE 1, 2009   

AN ACT

Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and

codifying Title 61 (Penal and Correctional Institutions) of

the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for

adoption of guidelines for resentencing, for adoption of

guidelines for parole and for adoption of recommitment ranges

following revocation of parole by board; providing for

temporary release from county correctional institutions;

further providing for sentence of total confinement;

providing for parole without board supervision, for judicial

power to release inmates and for transfers of inmates in need

of medical treatment; further providing for State

intermediate punishment; providing for other criminal

provisions; amending the heading of Title 61; adding

definitions, provisions relating to general administration of

correctional institutions, State correctional institutions,

county correctional institutions, house of detention for

untried inmates and witnesses, inmate labor, medical

services, visitation, inmate prerelease plans, motivational

boot camp, execution procedure and method, recidivism risk

reduction incentive, miscellaneous matters relating thereto,

probation and parole generally, the Pennsylvania Board of

Probation and Parole, County Probation and Parole Officers'

Firearm Education and Training, and correctional institution

interstate compacts; and making conforming amendments,

editorial changes and repeals relating to codification.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE 42

JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE

PART II.  ORGANIZATION

SUBPART A.  COURTS AND DISTRICT JUSTICES

<--

ARTICLE E.  DISTRICT JUSTICES

Chapter 15.  District Justices

§ 1511.  District Justices.

§ 1515.  Jurisdiction and venue.

§ 1516.  Lien of judgment.

§ 1520.  Adjudication Alternative Program.

SUBPART B.  OTHER STRUCTURAL PROVISIONS

Chapter 21.  Judicial Boards and Commissions

Subchapter F.  Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing

§ 2154.4.  Adoption of guidelines for resentencing.

§ 2154.5.  Adoption of guidelines for parole.

§ 2154.6.  Adoption of recommitment ranges following revocation

of parole by board.

PART VIII.  CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

Chapter 97.  Sentencing

Subchapter E.  Imposition of Sentence

§ 9755.1.  Temporary release from county correctional

institution.

§ 9756.  Sentence of total confinement.

Subchapter F.  Further Judicial Action

§ 9775.  Parole without board supervision.

§ 9776.  Judicial power to release inmates.

§ 9777.  Transfer of inmates in need of medical treatment.

Chapter 99.  Other Criminal Provisions

Subchapter A.  County Probation Officers

§ 9911.  Definitions.

§ 9912.  Supervisory relationship to offenders.

§ 9913.  Peace officer power for probation officers.

TITLE 61

PRISONS AND PAROLE

PART I.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

Chapter 1.  Preliminary Provisions

§ 101.  Short title of title.

§ 102.  Definitions.

PART II.  CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Chapter 11.  General Administration

Subchapter A.  Penal Operations and Procedures

§ 1101.  Benefits to injured employees of State correctional

institutions.

§ 1102.  Correctional facility for criminological diagnosis.

§ 1103.  Recording system for identification of criminal

offenders.

Subchapter B.  Inmate Transfers

§ 1151.  General transfer authorization.

§ 1152.  Transfers to city department.

<--

§ 1153.  Expense of removing certain inmates.

§ 1154.  Law enforcement use of county correctional

institutions.

Subchapter C.  Escaped Inmates

§ 1161.  Return of escaped inmates.

§ 1162.  Escaped inmate costs.

§ 1163.  Maintenance of escaping inmates under new sentence.

§ 1164.  Criminal offense during confinement.

Chapter 13.  (Reserved)

Chapter 15.  (Reserved)

Chapter 17.  County Correctional Institutions

Subchapter A.  (Reserved)

Subchapter B.  County Jail Oversight Board in Counties of the

Second Class and Second Class A

§ 1721.  Scope of subchapter.

§ 1722.  Definitions.

§ 1723.  County jail oversight board.

§ 1724.  Powers and duties.

§ 1725.  Rules and regulations.

§ 1726.  Warden.

§ 1727.  Board meetings.

§ 1728.  Contracts and purchases.

Subchapter C.  Other Counties

§ 1731.  Establishment.

§ 1732.  Board meetings.

§ 1733.  Appointment of warden and employees.

§ 1734.  Powers of peace officers.

§ 1735.  Expenditures.

§ 1736.  Bonding requirement.

Subchapter D.  Alternative Plan for Certain Counties

§ 1741.  Sixth, seventh and eighth class counties.

§ 1742.  Appointment of prison commissioners.

Subchapter E.  Penal Operations and Procedures

§ 1751.  Costs of confinement.

§ 1752.  Board of inspectors to regulate salaries of wardens and

other staff.

§ 1753.  Residence of warden.

§ 1754.  Bonds for county prison staff in fourth class counties.

§ 1755.  Property exempt from taxation.

§ 1756.  Loss of privileges.

§ 1757.  Collection from certain inmates.

Subchapter F.  Joint Detention Centers

§ 1761.  Establishment by adjoining counties.

§ 1762.  Selection of site.

§ 1763.  Buildings.

§ 1764.  Construction contracts.

§ 1765.  Advisory board.

§ 1766.  Meetings.

§ 1767.  Chief administrator and employees.

§ 1768.  Rules and regulations.

§ 1769.  Initial transfer of inmates.

§ 1770.  Employment of inmates.

§ 1771.  Cost of transporting inmates.

§ 1772.  Financial reporting.

§ 1773.  Allocation of expenses to counties.

§ 1774.  County appropriations.

§ 1775.  Exemption from taxation.

Subchapter G.  Joint Industrial Farms and Workhouses

§ 1781.  Establishment by counties.

§ 1782.  Selection of site.

§ 1783.  Buildings.

§ 1784.  Construction contracts.

§ 1785.  Advisory board.

§ 1786.  Meetings.

§ 1787.  Chief administrator and employees.

§ 1788.  Rules and regulations.

§ 1789.  Initial transfer of inmates.

§ 1790.  Employment of inmates.

§ 1791.  Cost of transporting inmates.

§ 1792.  Nature of inmate employment.

§ 1793.  Sale of goods and materials.

§ 1794.  Financial reporting.

§ 1795.  Allocation of expenses to counties.

§ 1796.  Borrowing authorized.

§ 1797.  Exemption from taxation.

§ 1798.  Nonapplicability.

PART III.  INMATE CONFINEMENT

Chapter 31.  Inmate Labor

§ 3101.  Inmates to be employed.

§ 3102.  Disposition of proceeds of labor.

§ 3103.  Agricultural labor at county correctional institutions.

§ 3104.  Inmate labor in county correctional institutions.

§ 3105.  Inmate labor in counties of the first class.

§ 3106.  Inmate-made goods to be branded.

§ 3107.  Sale of inmate-made goods.

Chapter 33.  Medical Services

§ 3301.  Short title of chapter.

§ 3302.  Definitions.

§ 3303.  Medical Services Program.

§ 3304.  Powers and duties of department.

§ 3305.  Costs outstanding upon release.

§ 3306.  Report to General Assembly.

§ 3307.  Applicability.

Chapter 35.  Visitation

Subchapter A.  General Provisions

§ 3501.  Gubernatorial visitor for philanthropic purposes.

§ 3502.  Official visitors.

§ 3503.  Rights of official visitors.

Subchapter B.  Official Visitation

§ 3511.  Short title of subchapter.

§ 3512.  Definitions.

§ 3513.  Visitation.

§ 3514.  Employees of official visitor.

Chapter 37.  Inmate Prerelease Plans

§ 3701.  Establishment of prerelease centers.

§ 3702.  Prerelease plan for inmates.

§ 3703.  Rules and regulations.

§ 3704.  Salaries and wages of inmates.

Chapter 39.  Motivational Boot Camp

§ 3901.  Scope of chapter.

§ 3902.  Declaration of policy.

§ 3903.  Definitions.

§ 3904.  Selection of inmate participants.

§ 3905.  Motivational boot camp program.

§ 3906.  Procedure for selection of participant in motivational

boot camp program.

§ 3907.  Completion of motivational boot camp program.

§ 3908.  Appeals.

Chapter 41.  State Intermediate Punishment

§ 4101.  Scope of chapter.

§ 4102.  Findings and purpose.

§ 4103.  Definitions.

§ 4104.  Referral to State intermediate punishment program.

§ 4105.  Drug offender treatment program.

§ 4106.  Written guidelines and regulations.

§ 4107.  Reports.

§ 4108.  Construction.

§ 4109.  Evaluation.

Chapter 43.  Execution Procedure and Method

§ 4301.  Definitions.

§ 4302.  Issuance of warrant.

§ 4303.  Terms of confinement.

§ 4304.  Method of execution.

§ 4305.  Witnesses to execution.

§ 4306.  Certification of chief administrator.

§ 4307.  Postmortem examination.

§ 4308.  Costs of execution and examination.

Chapter 45.  Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive

§ 4501.  Scope of chapter.

§ 4502.  Purpose of chapter.

§ 4503.  Definitions.

§ 4504.  Recidivism risk reduction incentive programs.

§ 4505.  Sentencing.

§ 4506.  Recidivism risk reduction incentive minimum.

§ 4507.  Authority of board.

§ 4508.  Written guidelines and regulations.

§ 4509.  Evaluation.

§ 4510.  Reports.

§ 4511.  Construction of chapter.

§ 4512.  Applicability of chapter.

Chapter 59.  Miscellaneous Provisions

§ 5901.  Physical welfare of inmates.

§ 5902.  Contraband prohibited.

§ 5903.  Inmate uniforms.

§ 5904.  Assessment and collection of costs.

PART IV.  PROBATION AND PAROLE

Chapter 61.  Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole

Subchapter A.  Preliminary Provisions

§ 6101.  Definitions.

§ 6102.  Operation of parole system generally.

Subchapter B.  Administration

§ 6111.  Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole.

§ 6112.  Board chairperson.

§ 6113.  Board action.

§ 6114.  Salaries of board members.

§ 6115.  Incompatible offices and removal.

§ 6116.  Meetings.

§ 6117.  Official seal.

§ 6118.  Offices.

§ 6119.  District directors.

§ 6120.  District office employees.

§ 6121.  Disciplinary action.

§ 6122.  Political activities.

§ 6123.  Advisory committee.

Subchapter C.  Powers and Duties

§ 6131.  General powers of board.

§ 6132.  Specific powers of board involving parolees.

§ 6133.  Probation services.

§ 6134.  Sentencing court to transmit records to board.

§ 6134.1.  General criteria for parole by court.

§ 6135.  Investigation of circumstances of offense.

§ 6136.  Right of access to inmates.

§ 6137.  Parole power.

§ 6138.  Violation of terms of parole.

§ 6139.  Parole procedure.

§ 6140.  Victim statements, testimony and participation in

hearing.

§ 6141.  General rules and special regulations.

§ 6142.  Investigations for the Board of Pardons.

<--

Subchapter D.  State Parole Agents

§ 6151.  Definitions.

§ 6152.  Status as peace officers.

§ 6153.  Supervisory relationship to offenders.

Chapter 63.  County Probation Officers' Firearm Education and

Training

§ 6301.  Short title of chapter.

§ 6302.  Definitions.

§ 6303.  County Probation Officers' Firearm Education and

Training Commission.

§ 6304.  Commission membership.

§ 6305.  Powers and duties of commission.

§ 6306.  Training mandatory.

§ 6307.  Requirements for program participation or waiver.

§ 6308.  County Probation Officers' Firearm Education and

Training Fund.

§ 6309.  Applicability.

PART V.  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Chapter 71.  Interstate Compacts

Subchapter A.  Interstate Corrections Compact

§ 7101.  Short title of subchapter.

§ 7102.  Interstate Corrections Compact.

§ 7103.  Powers.

Subchapter B.  Interstate Compact for the Supervision of

Adult Offenders

§ 7111.  Short title of subchapter.

§ 7112.  Authority to execute compact.

§ 7113.  When and how compact becomes operative.

§ 7114.  State council and compact administrator.

Subchapter C.  Administrative Provisions

§ 7121.  Deputization.

§ 7122.  Supervision of persons paroled by other states.

§ 7123.  Penalty.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  The definition of "process" in section 102 of

<--

Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended to

read:

§ 102.  Definitions.

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent

provisions of this title which are applicable to specific

provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when

used in this title shall have, unless the context clearly

indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:

* * *

"Process."  A document evidencing a command of a court or of

a [district justice] magisterial district judge.

* * *

Section 1.1.  Part II, Subpart A heading, Article E heading

and Chapter 15 heading of Title 42 are amended to read:

PART II

ORGANIZATION

SUBPART A

COURTS AND [DISTRICT JUSTICES] MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES

* * *

ARTICLE E

[DISTRICT JUSTICES] MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES

CHAPTER 15

[DISTRICT JUSTICES] MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES

Section 1.2.  Sections 1511, 1515(a)(3) and (5), 1516 and

1520(a) of Title 42 are amended to read:

§ 1511.  [District justices] Magisterial district judges.

There shall be one [district justice] magisterial district

judge in each magisterial district.

§ 1515.  Jurisdiction and venue.

(a)  Jurisdiction.--Except as otherwise prescribed by general

rule adopted pursuant to section 503 (relating to reassignment

of matters), magisterial district judges shall, under procedures

prescribed by general rule, have jurisdiction of all of the

following matters:

* * *

(3)  Civil claims, except claims against a Commonwealth

party as defined by section 8501 (relating to definitions),

wherein the sum demanded does not exceed $8,000, exclusive of

interest and costs, in the following classes of actions:

(i)  In assumpsit, except cases of real contract

where the title to real estate may be in question.

(ii)  In trespass, including all forms of trespass

and trespass on the case.

(iii)  For fines and penalties by any government

agency.

A plaintiff may waive a portion of his claim of more than

$8,000 so as to bring the matter within the monetary

jurisdiction of a [district justice] magisterial district

judge. Such waiver shall be revoked automatically if the

defendant appeals the final order of the magisterial district

judge or when the judgment is set aside upon certiorari.

* * *

(5)  Offenses under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802 (relating to

driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance),

if the following criteria are met:

(i)  The offense is the first offense by the

defendant under such provision in this Commonwealth.

(ii)  No personal injury (other than to the 

defendant) resulted from the offense.

(iii)  The defendant pleads guilty.

(iv)  No property damage in excess of $500 other than

to the defendant's property resulted from the violation.

(v)  The defendant is not subject to the provisions

of Chapter 63 (relating to juvenile matters).

(vi)  The arresting authority shall cause to be

transmitted a copy of the charge of any violation of 75

Pa.C.S. § 3802 to the office of the clerk of the court of

common pleas within five days after the preliminary

arraignment.

In determining that the above criteria are met the

magisterial district judge shall rely on the certification of

the arresting authority. Certification that the criteria are

met need not be in writing. Within ten days after the

disposition, the [district justice] magisterial district

judge shall certify the disposition to the office of the

clerk of the court of common pleas in writing.

* * *

§ 1516.  Lien of judgment.

A judgment of a magisterial district judge shall not operate

as a lien on real property until a transcript of the record

showing a final judgment of a magisterial district judge has

been filed in the manner prescribed by general rules in the

office of the clerk of the court of common pleas of the county

where the property is situated, or in the office of the clerk of

the branch of the court of common pleas embracing such county.

After such entry the judgment shall, from the date of such

entry, be a lien upon real property to the same extent that

judgment recovered in the court of common pleas is a lien. No

such transcript shall be filed until after 30 days after the

entry of final judgment by the [district justice] magisterial

district judge. No execution against real estate shall be issued

by a magisterial district judge.

§ 1520.  Adjudication alternative program.

(a)  General rule.--Except for cases charging offenses under

Titles 75 (relating to vehicles) and 34 (relating to game), the

magisterial district judge may, upon hearing the facts of a

case, admit to an appropriate adjudication alternative

authorized by this section persons charged with summary

offenses. The defendant shall not be required to plead guilty to

be accepted by the [district justice] magisterial district judge 

into the program. Acceptance of participation in an alternative

authorized by this section shall be considered a first

conviction for the purpose of computing whether a subsequent

conviction of an offense shall be considered a second or

subsequent conviction.

* * *

Section 1 1.3.  Sections 2154.4, 2154.5 and 2154.6 of Title 

<--

42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, added September 

<--

25, 2008 (P.L.1026, No.81), are amended to read:

§ 2154.4.  Adoption of guidelines for resentencing.

The commission shall adopt guidelines that shall be

considered by the court when resentencing an offender following

revocation of probation, county intermediate punishment or State

intermediate punishment. The guidelines shall take into account

[factors]:

(1)  Factors considered in adopting the sentencing

guidelines[, the].

(2)  The seriousness of the violation [and the].

(3)  The rehabilitative needs of the defendant.

§ 2154.5.  Adoption of guidelines for parole.

(a)  Adoption.--The commission shall adopt guidelines that

shall be considered by the board and any other paroling entity

when exercising its power to parole and reparole all persons

sentenced by any court in this Commonwealth to imprisonment in

any [State or county penitentiary, prison or penal institution]

correctional institution. The guidelines shall do all of the

following:

(1)  Give primary consideration to the protection of the

public and to victim safety.

(2)  Provide for due consideration of victim input.

(3)  Be designed to encourage inmates and parolees to

conduct themselves in accordance with conditions and rules of

conduct set forth by the department or other prison

facilities and the board.

(4)  Be designed to encourage inmates and parolees to

participate in programs that have been demonstrated to be

effective in reducing recidivism, including appropriate drug

and alcohol treatment programs.

(5)  Provide for prioritization of incarceration,

rehabilitation and other criminal justice resources for

offenders posing the greatest risk to public safety.

(6)  Use validated risk assessment tools, be evidence

based and take into account available research relating to

the risk of recidivism, minimizing the threat posed to public

safety and factors maximizing the success of reentry.

(b)  Discretionary authority.--Notwithstanding any other

provision of law, this section shall not remove the

discretionary parole authority of the board and any other

paroling entity when exercising its power to parole and

reparole.

§ 2154.6.  Adoption of recommitment ranges following revocation

of parole by board.

(a)  Recommitment ranges.--The commission shall adopt

recommitment ranges that shall be considered by the board when

exercising its power to reparole, commit and recommit for

violations of parole any person sentenced by a court in this

Commonwealth to imprisonment in any [prison or penal institution

of this Commonwealth, including State or county penitentiaries,

prisons or penal institutions] correctional institution. The

recommitment ranges shall take into account the seriousness of

the initial conviction offense, the level of seriousness of the

violation and the rehabilitative needs of the defendant. At the

end of the recommittal period, the parole violator shall be

reviewed for parole or, without further review, shall be

reparoled.

(b)  Deviation.--In every case in which the board deviates

from the recommitment ranges, the board shall provide a

contemporaneous written statement of the reasons for the

deviation from the recommitment ranges to the commission as

established under section 2153(a)(14) (relating to powers and

duties).

(c)  Definitions.--As used in this section, the following

words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this

subsection:

"Recommitment range."  A range of time within which a parole

violator may be recommitted to serve an additional part of the

term the parole violator would have been compelled to serve had

the parole violator not been paroled.

Section 2.  Title 42 is amended by adding a section to read:

§ 9755.1.  Temporary release from county correctional

institution.

(a)  (Reserved).

(b)  Surrender of wages.--When an inmate is employed for

wages or salary, the chief administrator of the county

correctional institution shall collect the wages or salary or

require the inmate to turn over his wages or salary in full when

received, and the chief administrator shall deposit the same in

a trust checking account and keep a ledger showing the status of

the account of each inmate.

(c)  Liability for board cost.--

(1)  An inmate gainfully employed shall be liable for the

cost of his board in the county correctional institution as

fixed by the county commissioners. If necessarily absent from

jail at a meal time, the inmate shall, at his request, be

furnished with an adequate nourishing lunch to carry to work.

(2)  The chief administrator of the county correctional

institution shall charge the inmate's account if the inmate

has one for such board.

(3)  If the inmate is gainfully self-employed, the inmate

shall pay for such board in default of which his privilege

under this section shall be automatically forfeited.

(4)  If the food in the county correctional institution

is furnished directly by the county, the chief administrator

of the county correctional institution shall account for and

pay over such board payments to the county treasurer.

(d)  Disbursements from inmate accounts.--By order of the

court, the wages or salaries of employed inmates shall be

disbursed for the following purposes in the order stated:

(1)  The board of the inmate.

(2)  Necessary travel expense to and from work and other

incidental expenses of the inmate.

(3)  Support of the inmate's dependents, if any, the

amount to be determined by the court.

(4)  Payment of docket costs connected with the

commitment of the inmate.

(5)  Payment either in full or ratably of the inmate's

obligations acknowledged by him in writing or which have been

reduced to judgment.

(6)  The balance, if any, to the inmate upon discharge.

(e)  Intercounty custody.--The court may by order authorize

the chief administrator of a county correctional institution to

which an inmate is committed to arrange with the chief

administrator of another county correctional institution for the

employment of the prisoner in the other's county and while so

employed to be in the other's custody but in other respects to

be and continue subject to the commitment.

Section 3.  Sections 9756(b), (b.1) and (e) of Title 42,

amended or added September 25, 2008 (P.L.1026, No.81), are

amended to read:

§ 9756.  Sentence of total confinement.

* * *

(b)  Minimum sentence.--

(1)  The court shall impose a minimum sentence of

confinement which shall not exceed one-half of the maximum

sentence imposed.

(2)  The minimum sentence imposed under this section may

not be reduced through parole prior to the expiration of the

minimum sentence unless otherwise authorized by this section

or other law.

(3)  Except where the maximum sentence imposed is two

years or more, and except where a mandatory minimum sentence

of imprisonment or total confinement is required by law, the

court shall, at the time of sentencing, state whether or not

the defendant is eligible to participate in a reentry plan at

any time prior to the expiration of the minimum sentence or

at the expiration of a specified portion of the minimum

sentence. For maximum sentences of less than two years as

defined under section 9762(f) (relating to sentencing

proceeding; place of confinement), a court may parole a

defendant prior to the expiration of the minimum sentence

only if the defendant was made eligible to participate in a

reentry plan at the time of sentencing. The court shall

provide at least ten days' written notice and an opportunity

to be heard, pursuant to [the act of June 19, 1911 (P.L.1059,

No.813), referred to as the County Jail and Workhouse Parole

Law,] section 9776 (relating to judicial power to release

inmates), to the prosecuting attorney before granting parole

pursuant to this subsection. The reentry plan eligibility

shall be considered a part of the sentence and subject to the

requirements relating to the entry, recording and reporting

of sentences.

(b.1)  Recidivism risk reduction incentive minimum

sentence.--The court shall determine if the defendant is

eligible for a recidivism risk reduction incentive minimum

sentence under [44 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53] 61 Pa.C.S. Ch. 45 (relating

to recidivism risk reduction incentive). If the defendant is

eligible, the court shall impose a recidivism risk reduction

incentive minimum sentence in addition to a minimum sentence and

maximum sentence except, if the defendant was previously

sentenced to two or more recidivism risk reduction incentive

minimum sentences, the court shall have the discretion to impose

a sentence with no recidivism risk reduction incentive minimum.

* * *

(e)  Definitions.--As used in this section, the term "reentry

plan" is a release plan that may include drug and alcohol

treatment, behavioral health treatment, job training, skills

training, education, life skills or any other [conditions]

condition deemed relevant by the court.

Section 4.  Title 42 is amended by adding sections to read:

§ 9775.  Parole without board supervision.

A sentencing court shall grant parole from a term of

imprisonment for less than a maximum period of two years, and,

together with all probations except probation as to which

supervision is specially ordered by the court as provided for

under section 9721 (relating to sentencing generally), parole

shall be without supervision by the board.

§ 9776.  Judicial power to release inmates.

(a)  General rule.--Except as otherwise provided under this

chapter or if the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole has

exclusive parole jurisdiction, a court of this Commonwealth or

other court of record having jurisdiction may, after due

hearing, release on parole an inmate in the county correctional

institution of that judicial district.

(b)  Petition required.--No inmate may be paroled under this

section except on petition verified by the oath of the inmate or

by the inmate's representative and presented and filed in the

court in which the inmate was convicted.

(c)  Hearing.--On presentation of the petition, the court

shall fix a day for the hearing. A copy of the petition shall be

served on the district attorney and prosecutor in the case at

least ten days before the day fixed for the hearing. Proof of

service on the district attorney and the prosecutor shall be

produced at the hearing.

(d)  Order.--After the hearing, the court shall make such

order as it may deem just and proper. In case the court paroles

the inmate, it shall place the inmate in the charge of and under

the supervision of a designated probation officer.

(e)  Recommit.--The court may, on cause shown by the

probation officer that the inmate has violated his parole,

recommit and reparole the inmate in the same manner and by the

same procedure as in the case of the original parole if, in the

judgment of the court, there is a reasonable probability that

the inmate will benefit by being paroled. The court may also

recommit for violation of that parole.

(f)  Limitation.--

(1)  Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2), the

power of a court to parole an inmate under this section shall

extend for a period not to exceed the maximum sentence

provided by law for the offense of which the inmate was

convicted.

(2)  A court may release on parole, on petition to any

other court, an inmate committed to a correctional

institution by any magisterial district judge and shall have

the same power to recommit an inmate paroled under this

section.

§ 9777.  Transfer of inmates in need of medical treatment.

(a)  Inmates committed to custody of department.--If an

inmate is committed to the custody of the department, the

department, the inmate or a person to whom the court grants

standing to act on behalf of the inmate may petition the

sentencing court to temporarily defer service of the sentence of

confinement and temporarily remove the inmate committed to the

custody of the department, or other facility, for placement in a

hospital, long-term care nursing facility or hospice care

location. The following shall apply:

(1)  The sentencing court may approve the petitioner's

request to temporarily defer service of the sentence of

confinement and place the inmate in a hospital or long-term

care nursing facility under electronic monitoring by the

department upon clear and convincing proof that all of the

following apply:

(i)  The medical needs of the inmate can be more

appropriately addressed in the hospital or long-term care

nursing facility.

(ii)  The hospital or long-term care nursing facility

requested by the petitioner has agreed to accept the

placement of the inmate and to provide necessary medical

care.

(iii)  The inmate is seriously ill and is expected by

a treating physician to not live for more than one year.

(iv)  There are no writs filed or detainers lodged

against the inmate and the inmate is not subject to any

court order requiring the inmate's presence.

(v)  The placement in the hospital or long-term care

nursing facility does not pose an undue risk of escape or

danger to the community. In making this determination the

sentencing court shall consider the inmate's

institutional conduct record, whether the inmate was ever

convicted of a crime of violence, the length of time that

the inmate has been imprisoned and any other factors the

sentencing court deems relevant.

(vi)  The hospital or long-term care nursing facility

has agreed to notify the department and the court of any

material changes in the health status of the inmate, the

nature of the care provided or other information required

by the department.

(vii)  Each agency representing the Commonwealth at a

proceeding which resulted in an order committing or

detaining the inmate, the State or local correctional

facility housing the inmate and any registered crime

victim have been given notice and an opportunity to be

heard on the petition.

(2)  The sentencing court may approve the petitioner's

request to temporarily defer service of the sentence of

confinement in order for the inmate to receive care from a

licensed hospice care provider, proposed by the petitioner

and subject to electronic monitoring by the department if all

of the following are established by clear and convincing

proof:

(i)  The inmate is terminally ill, not ambulatory and

likely to die in the near future.

(ii)  The licensed hospice care provider can provide

the inmate with more appropriate care.

(iii)  Appropriate medical care and palliative and

supportive services will be provided by the licensed

hospice care provider at the proposed hospice care

location.

(iv)  The placement of the inmate in the proposed,

licensed hospice care location does not pose an undue

risk of escape or danger to the community. In making this

determination, the sentencing court shall consider the

inmate's institutional conduct record, whether the inmate

was ever convicted of a crime of violence, the length of

time that the inmate has been imprisoned and any other

factors the sentencing court deems relevant.

(v)  The licensed hospice care provider has agreed to

notify the department and the sentencing court of any

material changes in the health status of the inmate, the

nature of the hospice care provided or other information

required by the department or the sentencing court.

(vi)  Each agency representing the Commonwealth at a

proceeding which resulted in an order committing or

detaining the inmate, the State or local correctional

facility housing the inmate and any registered crime

victim have been given notice and an opportunity to be

heard on the petition.

(3)  Any order entered pursuant to this subsection

temporarily deferring service of an inmate's sentence of

confinement shall include a provision that the department or

prosecuting attorney may at any time petition the sentencing

court for an order directing that the inmate be recommitted

to the custody of the department if the circumstances under

which the inmate was released change or for any previously

unknown circumstances, including a change in the inmate's

medical status, the inmate's risk of escape, the inmate's

danger to the community or the nature of the medical or other

care provided by the hospital, long-term care nursing

facility or hospice care provider.

(4)  The sentencing court may terminate at any time its

order authorizing the temporary deferral of the service of an

inmate's sentence of confinement entered pursuant to this

subsection. An inmate taken into custody pursuant to an order

directing the inmate's detention or recommitment under this

subsection shall be delivered to the nearest State

correctional institution pending a hearing on the matter.

(b)  Inmates committed to custody of other facilities.--An

inmate not committed to the custody of the department but

confined in an institution authorized to incarcerate or detain

persons for criminal sentences, violations of criminal law or

orders of parole, probation, bail or other order related to a

civil or criminal matter may have service of the sentence of

confinement deferred and may be placed in a hospital, long-term

care nursing facility or licensed hospice care location, subject

to electronic monitoring, by order of the judge that committed

the inmate to the facility or institution or by another

available judge designated to preside if all of the following

are established by clear and convincing proof:

(1)  The chief administrator, the chief administrator's

designee, the inmate or a person to whom the court grants

standing to act on behalf of the inmate petitions the court

or has given written consent to the grant of a petition under

this section filed on behalf of the inmate.

(2)  There is sufficient proof to establish the

requirements for a placement to a hospital or long-term care

nursing facility under subsection (a)(1) or a placement to a

hospice care location under subsection (a)(2).

(3)  An entry of an order pursuant to this subsection

temporarily deferring service of an inmate's sentence of

confinement shall include a provision that the chief

administrator or the prosecuting attorney may at any time

petition the sentencing court seeking the issuance of a bench

warrant directing that the inmate be recommitted to the

custody of the appropriate correctional institution if the

circumstances under which the inmate was released change or

for previously unknown circumstances, including a change in

the inmate's medical status, the inmate's risk of escape, the

inmate's danger to the community or the nature of the medical

or other care provided by the hospital, long-term care

nursing facility or hospice care provider.

(4)  The sentencing court may terminate at any time its

order authorizing the temporary deferral of the service of an

inmate's sentence of confinement entered pursuant to this

subsection. An inmate taken into custody pursuant to an order

directing detention or recommitment under this subsection

shall be delivered to the county correctional institution or

other institution at which the inmate was confined prior to

the entry of the order deferring the service of the sentence

of confinement pending a hearing on the matter.

(c)  Service.--Any petition filed under this section shall be

served on each agency representing the Commonwealth at each

proceeding which resulted in an order by which the inmate is

committed or detained and to the correctional institution or

institution responsible for housing the inmate. Each party shall

have an opportunity to object and be heard as to the petition

for alternative placement, the circumstances of placement, the

conditions of return or any other relevant issue. The court

shall ensure that any crime victim entitled to notification

under section 201(7) or (8) of the act of November 24, 1998

(P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act, has been

given notice and the opportunity to be heard on the petition.

All parties served or notified under this subsection shall

receive a copy of the final order adjudicating the petition.

(d)  Notice.--

(1)  Any order entered under this section placing an

inmate in a hospital, long-term care nursing facility or

hospice care location which provides care to persons who were

not placed therein pursuant to an order entered under this

section shall direct the individual in charge of the

hospital, long-term care nursing facility or hospice care

location to ensure that each person receiving care at, and

each employee or contractor working in, the hospital, long-

term care nursing facility or hospice care location is

notified that the placement was ordered if it is foreseeable

that the person, employee or contractor will come into

contact with the inmate during the placement.

(2)  The sentencing court shall forward notice of any

order entered under this section placing an inmate in a

hospital, long-term care nursing facility or hospice care

location to the hospital, long-term care nursing facility or

hospice care location and to the Department of Public

Welfare.

(e)  Petition requirements.--Any petition filed pursuant to

this section must aver:

(1)  The name of the hospital, long-term care nursing

facility or hospice care location proposed for placement.

(2)  That the petitioner reasonably believes the named

hospital, long-term care nursing facility or hospice care

location has agreed to accept the placement of the inmate and

the facts upon which that belief is based.

(f)  Removal from placement.--If an inmate placed in a

hospital, long-term care nursing facility or hospice care

location pursuant to this chapter removes himself from the

hospital, long-term care nursing facility or hospice care

location, the inmate shall be subject to arrest upon probable

cause and shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of criminal

contempt.

(g)  Definitions.--As used in this section, the following

words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this

subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Chief administrator."  As defined under 61 Pa.C.S. § 102

(relating to definitions).

"Department."  The Department of Corrections of the

Commonwealth.

"Hospice care location."  A home, independent living

environment or inpatient setting that provides a coordinated

program of palliative and supportive services through a licensed

hospice care provider.

"Hospital."  An entity licensed as an acute-care general

hospital, a specialty hospital or a rehabilitation hospital

under the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the

Health Care Facilities Act.

"Licensed hospice care provider."  A hospice as defined under

section 802.1 of the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48),

known as the Health Care Facilities Act.

"Long-term care nursing facility."  A long-term care nursing

facility as defined under section 802.1 of the act of July 19,

1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act.

"Prosecuting attorney."  The Office of Attorney General of

the Commonwealth or the office of a district attorney of a

county who represented the Commonwealth at the most recent

sentencing of an inmate.

"Sentencing court."  The trial judge who most recently

sentenced an inmate or, if the trial judge is no longer serving

as a judge of that court, the president judge of the county

court of common pleas.

Section 5.  Chapter 99 of Title 42 is repealed:

[CHAPTER 99

STATE INTERMEDIATE PUNISHMENT

Sec.

9901.  Scope of chapter.

9902.  Findings and purpose.

9903.  Definitions.

9904.  Referral to State intermediate punishment program.

9905.  Drug offender treatment program.

9906.  Written guidelines and regulations.

9907.  Reports.

9908.  Construction.

9909.  Evaluation.

§ 9901.  Scope of chapter.

This chapter relates to State intermediate punishment.

§ 9902.  Findings and purpose.

The General Assembly finds as follows:

(1)  Many crimes are committed by persons who, because of

their addiction to drugs or alcohol, are unable to maintain

gainful employment.

(2)  These persons often commit crimes as a means of

obtaining the funds necessary to purchase drugs or alcohol.

(3)  Many persons commit crimes while under the influence

of drugs or alcohol even though they are not addicted to such

substances in a clinical sense.

(4)  Punishing persons who commit crimes is an important

aspect of recognizing the harm that criminals visit upon

their victims.

(5)  Many people who commit crimes will be able to become

law-abiding, contributing members of society if they are able

to obtain treatment for their drug or alcohol addiction or

abuse.

(6)  The purpose of this chapter is to create a program

that punishes person who commit crimes, but also provides

treatment that offers the opportunity for those persons to

address their drug or alcohol addiction or abuse and thereby

reduce the incidents of recidivism and enhance public safety.

§ 9903.  Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter

shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Commission."  The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing.

"Community-based therapeutic community."  A long-term

residential addiction treatment program licensed by the

Department of Health to provide addiction treatment services

using a therapeutic community model and determined by the

Department of Corrections to be qualified to provide addiction

treatment to eligible offenders.

"Community corrections center."  A residential program that

is supervised and operated by the Department of Corrections for

inmates with prerelease status or who are on parole.

"Court."  The trial judge exercising sentencing jurisdiction

over an eligible offender under this chapter or the president

judge if the original trial judge is no longer serving as a

judge of the sentencing court.

"Defendant."  An individual charged with a drug-related

offense.

"Department."  The Department of Corrections of the

Commonwealth.

"Drug offender treatment program."  An individualized

treatment program established by the Department of Corrections

consisting primarily of drug and alcohol addiction treatment

that satisfies the terms and conditions listed in section 9905

(relating to drug offender treatment program).

"Drug-related offense."  A criminal offense for which a

defendant is convicted and that the court determines was

motivated by the defendant's consumption of or addiction to

alcohol or a controlled substance, counterfeit, designer drug,

drug, immediate precursor or marihuana, as those terms are

defined in the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as

The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.

"Eligible offender."  Subject to section 9721(a.1) (relating

to sentencing generally), a defendant designated by the

sentencing court as a person convicted of a drug-related offense

who:

(1)  Has undergone an assessment performed by the

Department of Corrections, which assessment has concluded

that the defendant is in need of drug and alcohol addiction

treatment and would benefit from commitment to a drug

offender treatment program and that placement in a drug

offender treatment program would be appropriate.

(2)  Does not demonstrate a history of present or past

violent behavior.

(3)  Would be placed in the custody of the department if

not sentenced to State intermediate punishment.

(4)  Provides written consent permitting release of

information pertaining to the defendant's participation in a

drug offender treatment program.

The term shall not include a defendant who is subject to a

sentence the calculation of which includes an enhancement for

the use of a deadly weapon, as defined pursuant to law or the

sentencing guidelines promulgated by the Pennsylvania Commission

on Sentencing, or a defendant who has been convicted of a

personal injury crime as defined in section 103 of the act of

November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims

Act, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime or who

has been convicted of violating 18 Pa.C.S. § 4302 (relating to

incest), 5901 (relating to open lewdness), 6312 (relating to

sexual abuse of children), 6318 (relating to unlawful contact

with minor) or 6320 (relating to sexual exploitation of

children) or Ch. 76 Subch. C (relating to Internet child

pornography).

"Expulsion."  The permanent removal of a participant from a

drug offender treatment program.

"Group home."  A residential program that is contracted out

by the Department of Corrections to a private service provider

for inmates with prerelease status or who are on parole.

"Individualized drug offender treatment plan."  An

individualized addiction treatment plan within the framework of

the drug offender treatment program.

"Institutional therapeutic community."  A residential drug

treatment program in a State correctional institution,

accredited as a therapeutic community for treatment of drug and

alcohol abuse and addiction by the American Correctional

Association or other nationally recognized accreditation

organization for therapeutic community drug and alcohol

addiction treatment.

"Outpatient addiction treatment facility."  An addiction

treatment facility licensed by the Department of Health and

designated by the Department of Corrections as qualified to

provide addiction treatment to criminal justice offenders.

"Participant."  An eligible offender actually sentenced to

State intermediate punishment pursuant to section 9721(a)(7)

(relating to sentencing generally).

"Transitional residence."  A residence investigated and

approved by the Department of Corrections as appropriate for

housing a participant in a drug offender treatment program.

§ 9904.  Referral to State intermediate punishment program.

(a)  Referral for evaluation.--

(1)  Prior to imposing a sentence, the court may, upon

motion of the Commonwealth and agreement of the defendant,

commit a defendant to the custody of the department for the

purpose of evaluating whether the defendant would benefit

from a drug offender treatment program and whether placement

in the drug offender treatment program is appropriate.

(2)  Upon committing a defendant to the department, the

court shall forward to the department:

(i)  A summary of the offense for which the defendant

has been convicted.

(ii)  Information relating to the defendant's history

of delinquency or criminality, including the information

maintained by the court pursuant to Chapter 63 (relating

to juvenile matters), when available.

(iii)  Information relating to the defendant's

history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, when

available.

(iv)  A presentence investigation report, when

available.

(v)  Any other information the court deems relevant

to assist the department with its assessment of the

defendant.

(b)  Assessment of addiction.--

(1)  The department shall conduct an assessment of the

addiction and other treatment needs of a defendant and

determine whether the defendant would benefit from a drug

offender treatment program. The assessment shall be conducted

using a nationally recognized assessment instrument or an

instrument that has been normed and validated on the

department's inmate population by a recognized expert in such

matters. The assessment instrument shall be administered by

persons skilled in the treatment of drug and alcohol

addiction and trained to conduct assessments. The assessments

shall be reviewed and approved by a supervisor with at least

three years of experience providing drug and alcohol

counseling services.

(2)  The department shall conduct risk and other

assessments it deems appropriate and shall provide a report

of its assessment to the court, the defendant, the attorney

for the Commonwealth and the commission within 60 days of the

court's commitment of the defendant to the custody of the

department.

(c)  Proposed drug offender treatment program.--If the

department in its discretion believes a defendant would benefit

from a drug offender treatment program and placement in the drug

offender treatment program is appropriate, the department shall

provide the court, the defendant, the attorney for the

Commonwealth and the commission with a proposed drug offender

treatment program detailing the type of treatment proposed.

(d)  Prerequisites for commitment.--Upon receipt of a

recommendation for placement in a drug offender treatment

program from the department and agreement of the attorney for

the Commonwealth and the defendant, the court may sentence an

eligible offender to a period of 24 months of State intermediate

punishment if the court finds that:

(1)  The eligible offender is likely to benefit from

State intermediate punishment.

(2)  Public safety would be enhanced by the eligible

offender's participation in State intermediate punishment.

(3)  Sentencing the eligible offender to State

intermediate punishment would not depreciate the seriousness

of the offense.

(e)  Consecutive probation.--Nothing in this chapter shall

prohibit the court from sentencing an eligible offender to a

consecutive period of probation. The total duration of the

sentence may not exceed the maximum term for which the eligible

offender could otherwise be sentenced.

(f)  Applicability and program limitations.--The court may

not modify or alter the terms of the department's proposed

individualized drug offender treatment plan without the

agreement of the department and the attorney for the

Commonwealth.

(g)  Videoconferencing.--The department shall make

videoconferencing facilities available to allow the court to

conduct proceedings necessary under this section when the

eligible offender has been committed to the custody of the

department pursuant to subsection (b).

§ 9905.  Drug offender treatment program.

(a)  Establishment.--The department shall establish and

administer a drug offender treatment program as a State

intermediate punishment. The program shall be designed to

address the individually assessed drug and alcohol abuse and

addiction needs of a participant and shall address other issues

essential to the participant's successful reintegration into the

community, including, but not limited to, educational and

employment issues.

(b)  Duration and components.--Notwithstanding any credit to

which the defendant may be entitled under section 9760 (relating

to credit for time served), the duration of the drug offender

treatment program shall be 24 months and shall include the

following:

(1)  A period in a State correctional institution of not

less than seven months. This period shall include:

(i)  The time during which the defendants are being

evaluated by the department under section 9904(b)

(relating to referral to State intermediate punishment

program).

(ii)  Following evaluation under subparagraph (i),

not less than four months shall be in an institutional

therapeutic community.

(2)  A period of treatment in a community-based

therapeutic community of at least two months.

(3)  A period of at least six months' treatment through

an outpatient addiction treatment facility. During the

outpatient addiction treatment period of the drug offender

treatment program, the participant may be housed in a

community corrections center or group home or placed in an

approved transitional residence. The participant must comply

with any conditions established by the department regardless

of where the participant resides during the outpatient

addiction treatment portion of the drug offender treatment

program.

(4)  A period of supervised reintegration into the

community for the balance of the drug offender treatment

program, during which the participant shall continue to be

supervised by the department and comply with any conditions

imposed by the department.

(c)  Program management.--

(1)  Consistent with the minimum time requirements set

forth in subsection (b), the department may transfer, at its

discretion, a participant between a State correctional

institution, an institutional therapeutic community, a

community-based therapeutic community, an outpatient

addiction treatment program and an approved transitional

residence. The department may also transfer a participant

back and forth between less restrictive and more restrictive

settings based upon the participant's progress or regression

in treatment or for medical, disciplinary or other

administrative reasons.

(2)  This subsection shall be construed to provide the

department with the maximum flexibility to administer the

drug offender treatment program both as a whole and for

individual participants.

(d)  Right of refusal to admit.--The administrator of a

community-based therapeutic community or outpatient addiction

treatment facility may refuse to accept a participant whom the

administrator deems to be inappropriate for admission and may

immediately discharge to the custody of the department any

participant who fails to comply with facility rules and

treatment expectations or refuses to constructively engage in

the treatment process.

(e)  Notice to court of completion of program.--When the

department determines that a participant has successfully

completed the drug offender treatment program, it shall notify

the sentencing court, the attorney for the Commonwealth and the

commission.

(f)  Expulsion from program.--

(1)  A participant may be expelled from the drug offender

treatment program at any time in accordance with guidelines

established by the department, including failure to comply

with administrative or disciplinary procedures or

requirements set forth by the department.

(2)  The department shall promptly notify the court, the

defendant, the attorney for the Commonwealth and the

commission of the expulsion of a participant from the drug

offender treatment program and the reason for such expulsion.

The participant shall be housed in a State correctional

institution or county jail pending action by the court.

(3)  The court shall schedule a prompt State intermediate

punishment revocation hearing pursuant to section 9774

(relating to revocation of State intermediate punishment

sentence).

§ 9906.  Written guidelines and regulations.

The department shall develop written guidelines for

participant selection criteria and the establishment of drug

offender treatment program selection committees within each

diagnostic and classification center of the department and shall