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1995 SESSION

LD6263728
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 284
Offered January 18, 1995
Requesting the Virginia State Crime Commission to study alternative treatments for sex offenders in Virginia’s adult correctional institutions.
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Patrons--Robb, Bell, Houck, Norment and Woods; Delegates: Callahan, Dudley, Fisher, Hamilton, Katzen, Kidd, Newman, Nixon, Orrock, Purkey, Reynolds, Rhodes, Tata, Wagner, Wardrup and Way
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Referred to the Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, because most of Virginia’s prison inmates will eventually be released, they should be given the best treatment opportunity, if any is available, to avoid re-commitment to the prison system; and

WHEREAS, treatment for sex offenders has been historically shown to be ineffective to minimally effective, at best; and

WHEREAS, it is extremely important that treatment for sex offenders be implemented which has a greater chance for success; and

WHEREAS, some medical treatment regimes have been shown to reduce the recidivism rates of sex offenders; and

WHEREAS, an offender who is wishes to reduce his proclivity to commit sex offenses should be given the opportunity; and

WHEREAS, a reduction in an offender’s criminal provclivity benefits both him and the citzens of the Commonwealth by reduction in prison costs and increased safety of the public; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Virginia State Crime Commission be requested to study potential, alternative sex offender treatments, including but not limited to drug treatment designed to reduce an offender’s urge to commit sex crimes, and to make appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly. Technical assistance shall be provided to the task force by the Department of Corrections.

The State Crime Commission shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1996 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.