DOC: OFFENDER TRACKING INFO. SYSTEM S.B. 478:
ANALYSIS AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
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Senate Bill 478 (as reported without amendment) (as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Senator Alan Sanborn
Committee: Judiciary
Date Completed: 5-15-09
RATIONALE
The Department of Corrections (DOC) maintains a computerized Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) that is searchable on the Department's website. The offender tracking system provides information about offenders who are, or were, in a Michigan prison, or on parole or probation under the DOC's supervision, who have transferred in or out of Michigan under the Michigan Interstate Compact, or who have escaped or absconded from their sentence. Only offenders who have been under DOC jurisdiction or supervision within the last three years will appear on OTIS. According to the Department's website, OTIS is designed to offer information that can then be verified through the DOC, Michigan courts, and law enforcement agencies. In view of the State's tight budget, it has been suggested that the Department should review OTIS periodically and report to the Legislature on its cost and effectiveness.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Corrections Code to require the Department of Corrections to report in writing to the Legislature on the DOC's Offender Tracking Information System. The report would have to be submitted within six months after the bill's effective date and every four years after that date. The report would have to include information on the system's effectiveness and cost, and the technology used in its operation.
Copies of the report would have to be delivered to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, as well as to the chairpersons of the Senate and House standing committees having responsibility for legislation pertaining to the DOC.
"Offender tracking information system" would mean the system operated by the DOC that provides internet users with information about prisoners, parolees, and probationers who are or were under the DOC's supervision.
Proposed MCL 791.207b
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
At a time when the State's revenue is shrinking and budgets are being cut, the DOC should periodically review the effectiveness and cost of its programs. While OTIS might be a useful tool to share with the general public information about those under DOC jurisdiction, it would be prudent to require the Department to report to the Legislature on the system in the near future and then every four years. This would allow both DOC officials and legislators to assess the system and form a basis for decisions on its future application.
Response: Producing the report would require the DOC to incur some administrative costs, but the bill does not identify a funding source for this new project.
Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The Department of Corrections would incur administrative costs associated with producing the report.
Fiscal Analyst: Lindsay HollanderAnalysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb478/0910