The Senate Appropriations Committee convened on February 18, 2025, to discuss the Human Resources Division's budget, focusing primarily on the state's pretrial services program. The meeting, which lasted from 3:19 PM to 4:41 PM, featured key insights from Tom Earhart, the Chief Parole and Probation Officer for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The discussion began with an overview of the pretrial services program, which was launched as a pilot in 2020. Earhart explained that this initiative aims to provide supervision for individuals who have been charged with crimes and are awaiting trial. The program operates in several counties, including Minot, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, and employs a risk assessment tool to evaluate the likelihood of defendants failing to appear in court or committing further offenses while on pretrial release.

Committee members sought clarification on the scope of pretrial services, particularly regarding its relationship to pretrial diversion programs. Earhart distinguished between the two, noting that pretrial services involve individuals already charged with crimes, while pretrial diversion allows prosecutors to avoid charging defendants under certain conditions.

Senator Matherne emphasized the importance of leveraging moments of crisis, such as being charged with a crime, to motivate individuals to change their behavior. Earhart concurred, highlighting that many individuals show significant improvement during pretrial supervision, which can lead to better outcomes in their cases.

The committee also discussed the current staffing levels for pretrial services, with Earhart indicating that there are currently 14 staff members across various counties. The Governor's budget proposal includes funding for three additional positions, aimed at expanding services in Fargo and the South Central Judicial District. This expansion is intended to alleviate overcrowding in local jails and enhance the support provided to defendants during the pretrial phase.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the state's commitment to improving its pretrial services program, with a focus on increasing staffing and resources to better manage defendants awaiting trial. The committee's discussions highlighted the potential benefits of pretrial supervision in reducing recidivism and overall correctional costs, paving the way for future legislative support.