THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY D. O'BRIEN, THOMAS, BRENNAN, COHEN, FREEMAN, GEORGE, GIBBONS, KORTZ, PASHINSKI, READSHAW, SIPTROTH, K. SMITH AND VULAKOVICH, MARCH 13, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS, MARCH 13, 2009  

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct an

in-depth study focusing on creating a nonpartisan interbranch

institute to assist policymakers, particularly in the

legislature, in making informed judgments about significant,

long-term criminal justice issues facing this Commonwealth;

and requiring a report.

WHEREAS, State funding for criminal justice matters comprises

a large percentage of the Commonwealth’s annual budget; and

WHEREAS, Emerging research on best practices indicates that

interbranch strategic planning saves public dollars and improves

delivery of public services by reducing redundancy and

increasing government efficiency; and

WHEREAS, In order to improve the overall decision-making

process and increase efficiency for criminal justice matters in

this Commonwealth, it is imperative to create a long-term

strategic plan that involves participation and input from all

branches of government; and

WHEREAS, This strategic planning effort should take into

consideration the operational needs of State, county and local

justice agencies, as well as short-term and long-term trends

affecting the justice system overall; and

WHEREAS, The strategic planning effort should document

specific goals and measurable objectives for the criminal

justice system as a whole; and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth’s higher education institutions

are a source of knowledge that can be applied to solving the

Commonwealth’s economic and social problems; and

WHEREAS, Commissions, agencies and higher education

institutions that presently conduct studies on policy issues for

the legislative, executive and judicial branches could save

taxpayer dollars by working together in a more cooperative and

coordinated effort; therefore be it

RESOLVED (the Senate concurring), That the House of

Representatives direct the Joint State Government Commission to

conduct an in-depth study into creating a nonpartisan

interbranch institute to assist policymakers, particularly in

the legislature, in making informed judgments about significant,

long-term criminal justice issues facing this Commonwealth; and

be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission be

authorized to create a task force and an advisory committee to

assist the task force in this undertaking; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force be comprised of individuals

representing the interests of the legislative, executive and

judicial branches; and be it further 

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission endeavor

to include individuals on the task force from criminal justice

stakeholder groups, such as crime victims groups, district

attorneys associations, county associations and prison wardens

associations; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the study address the need for cost benefits

analysis of ongoing efforts as part of the long-term plan and

should also include a feasibility study showing the pros and

cons of implementing a plan similar to the Washington State

Institute for Public Policy; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, the

Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, the Legislative Office

for Research Liaison, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and

Delinquency, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts

and the Commonwealth’s higher education institutions be

encouraged to assist in this endeavor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the task force be authorized to hold public

hearings, take testimony and take such other actions that assist

in this endeavor; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission compile

a report based on the findings and recommendations of the task

force and submit the report to the General Assembly as soon as

possible but no later than one year following the adoption of

this resolution.