Chief Patron: Griffith
Additional Attorneys for Sexually Violent Predator Commitment

Item 49 #1h

Language
Page 29, line 39, strike "$19,428,326" and insert "$19,588,326".
Page 29, line 39, strike "$19,454,342" and insert "$19,614,342".

Explanation
(This amendment provides additional general fund dollars to the Office of the Attorney General to support the addition of two attorneys who will be responsible for ensuring that the office meets all statutory deadlines required for the civil commitment of sexually violent predators and that the Commonwealth is effectively represented in such proceedings. According to figures obtained from the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, the number of persons committed for treatment as sexually violent predators is projected to grow by two commitments per month through June 1, 2004. By June 30, 2006, the department expects 75 persons will have been committed as sexually violent predators. As the number of sexually violent predators committed to the department's care increases, the number of proceedings in which the Commonwealth must be represented by the Office of the Attorney General also increases.)