123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1240 LR 1480(02)
An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Criminal Law Advisory Commission
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "     "
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
County jail savings
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
The bill elevates the crime of theft by extortion from a Class C crime to a Class B crime.  Based on the present average length of stay for a Class C and Class B sentence, the average length of stay of each sentence is projected to increase by 14 months at an increased cost to the Department of Corrections of $44,476 for each sentence.  It also increases criminal penalties for fraud in home repairs by elevating certain Class D crimes to Class C crimes and Class C crimes to Class B crimes.  This will increase the state prisoner population and lengths of stay, resulting in increased costs to the Department of Corrections.  It will also shift prisoner population from county jail sentences to the state correctional system.  The county jail system is projected to save an estimated $6,795 for each inmate shifted to the state correctional system.