123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1873 LR 1001(01)
An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Stalking
Fiscal Note for Original Bill
Sponsor: President Edmonds of Cumberland
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
This legislation expands the scope of prohibited conduct and aggravating factors of an offense as it relates to a Class D crime elevating it to a Class C crime if the actor has prior convictions.  This will increase the average length of stay by 1 year and 4 months (486 days) and must be served in a state Correctional Facility.  The average cost to the state for each occurrence is $50,165.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This legislation will result in substantial sentences involving stalking that can not be suspended and may complicate the processing of these cases.  The possibility of an extended sentence will likely increase the number and length of preliminary motions and trials, post-conviction proceedings and appeals.  Since more Judicial Department resources will be required for theses cases, other case types may be delayed.  The additional costs to the Department of the Attorney General can be absorbed utilizing existing budgeted resources.