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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009
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Orie Legislation on Problem-Solving Courts in PA Approved by
Senate Judiciary Committee
Seeking to improve public safety while at the same time providing more
extensive supervision of non-violent offenders, Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny)
has introduced legislation that would authorize specialized "problem-solving
courts" in Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 383 would encourage the use of mental health courts and drug
courts to divert non-violent offenders from more costly jail cells and encourage
rehabilitation through extensive supervision.
"As a former prosecutor and a strong advocate for improving our drug
rehabilitation and mental health systems, I believe this legislation is crucial
to helping those in need and to improving public safety," Orie said. "These
courts will reduce prison overcrowding and improve cooperation between our
criminal justice system and drug and alcohol and mental health systems."
Orie said that specialized problem-solving courts are being used across the
nation to save money and help offenders who have particular issues including
drug addiction and mental health issues. Allegheny County has been recognized
for the problem-solving courts they have established, including the recent
creation of a veterans court.
Senate Bill 383 was voted unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary
Committee. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Seamus P. McCaffery addressed the
committee before Senate Bill 383 was considered and is a strong supporter of
problem-solving courts.
"Senate Bill 383 will statutorily authorize the implementation of problem-solving courts in the Commonwealth," Orie said. "This is not mandatory, but
rather necessary to ensure that our state obtains financial assistance in
creating these courts."
"This concept is a win-win proposition for our criminal justice system and
for those individuals who need assistance," Orie said. "They will make our
communities safer, and they will save tax dollars."
Orie said the average cost of building a new prison in Pennsylvania is $200
million and the cost of housing a prisoner can run as much as $30,000 a year.
According to the Department of Justice, approximately 20 percent of the
Pennsylvania prison population suffers from mental illness.
"So in many cases, we are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to
incarcerate mentally ill patients or those with addictions who would benefit far
more from treatment, medication and counseling," Orie said. "That's why this
legislation is so critical. With problem-solving courts that can specialize in these
areas, we can ensure that they receive the most appropriate sentencing,
rehabilitation and treatment."
Contact:
Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538
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