hb65.html
07 LC 28 3210
House Bill 65
By: Representative Powell of the 29th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT


To amend Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to penal institutions, so as to create the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision; to provide for the responsibilities of the department with respect to supervision of probationers and parolees; to transfer responsibility of certain functions of probation and parole supervision to the department; to provide for the selection, service, and powers and duties of the director and employees of the department; to provide for rules and regulations and forms; to provide for administration; to authorize appropriation of funds; to provide for transfer of prior appropriations; to provide for transfer of personnel, equipment, and facilities; to amend Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to crimes and offenses, so as to correct cross-references; to amend Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure, so as to change provisions relating to imposition and service of split sentences; to provide for sentencing orders and their terms and effect; to provide that where a person is sentenced to a term of imprisonment followed by a period of probation and the person is paroled or released prior to service of the full period of imprisonment, the person shall be subject to an increased period of probation and probation supervision but shall not be subject to supervision by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles; to make corresponding changes with respect to the jurisdiction and authority of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles; to amend Titles 19, 40, and 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to domestic relations, motor vehicles and traffic, and public officers and employees, respectively, so as to provide for certain changes in the administrative organization of the Department of Corrections and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and to provide for conforming amendments; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to penal institutions, is amended by adding at its end a new Chapter 14 to read as follows:

"CHAPTER 14

42-14-1.
As used in this chapter, the term:
(1) 'Board' means the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
(2) 'Corrections' means the Department of Corrections.
(3) 'Department' means the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision.
(4) 'Officer' means a person who acts as a supervisor for a probationer or parolee.
(5) 'Split sentence' means any felony sentence that includes a term of imprisonment followed by a term of probation.

42-14-2.
There is created the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision. The department shall be the agency primarily responsible for:
(1) Supervision of all defendants who receive a felony sentence of straight probation;
(2) Supervision of all defendants who receive a felony sentence that includes confinement in a probation detention or probation diversion center;
(3) Supervision of all defendants who receive a split sentence;
(4) Supervision of all defendants placed on parole or other conditional release from imprisonment by the board;
(5) Supervision of juvenile offenders pursuant to Code Section 42-8-30;
(6) Administration of the laws and regulations relating to probation and parole supervision as provided for in Chapters 8 and 9 of this title; and
(7) Enforcement of laws and regulations relating to probation and parole supervision as provided for in Chapters 8 and 9 of this title.

42-14-3.
(a) There shall be a director of the department who shall be both appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Subject to the policies, rules, and regulations established by the board and corrections, the director shall supervise, direct, account for, organize, plan, administer, and execute the functions of the department. The department shall be attached to corrections for administrative purposes only, as provided in Code Section 50-4-3.
(b) The director shall receive an annual salary to be set by the Governor which shall be his or her total compensation for services as director. The director shall be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred by him or her in carrying out his or her official duties.
(c) The duties of the department shall be performed by that department and not by any other agency of state government, and the department shall not perform the duties of any other agency of state government. The position of director of the department shall be a separate and distinct position from any other position in state government. The duties of the director shall be performed by the director and not by any other officer of state government, and the director shall not perform the duties of any other officer of state government.

42-14-4.
(a) The director shall establish units within the department as he or she deems proper for its administration and shall designate persons to be assistant directors of each unit and to exercise authority as he or she may delegate to them in writing.
(b) The director shall have the authority to employ as many persons as he or she deems necessary for the administration of the department and for the discharge of the duties of his or her office. The director shall issue all necessary directions, instructions, orders, and rules applicable to employees of the department. The director shall have authority, as the director deems proper, to employ, assign, compensate, and discharge employees of the department within the limitations of the department´s appropriation and the restrictions set forth by law.
(c) All employees of the department shall be compensated upon a fixed salary basis, and no person shall be compensated for services to the department on a commission or contingent fee basis.
(d) Neither the director nor any officer or employee of the department shall be given or receive any fee, compensation, loan, gift, or other thing of value in addition to the compensation and expense allowance provided by law for any service or pretended service either rendered or to be rendered as director or as an officer or employee of the department.

42-14-5.
(a) The director shall have the power to make and publish reasonable rules and regulations not inconsistent with this title or other laws or with the Constitution of this state or of the United States for the administration of this chapter or any law which it is his or her duty to administer.
(b) The director may prescribe forms as he or she deems necessary for the administration and enforcement of this chapter and Chapters 8 and 9 of this title or any law which it is his or her duty to administer.
(c) The following rules and regulations shall remain of full force and effect as rules and regulations of the department until amended, repealed, or superseded by rules or regulations adopted by the director of the department:
(1) All rules and regulations previously adopted by the Advisory Council for Probation which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from the state-wide probation system to the department;
(2) All rules and regulations previously adopted by corrections which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from corrections to the department; and
(3) All rules and regulations previously adopted by the board which relate to functions transferred under this chapter from the board to the department.

42-14-6.
(a) Appropriations to corrections and the board for functions transferred to the department pursuant to this chapter may be transferred to the department as provided for in Code Section 45-12-90. Personnel, equipment, and facilities previously employed by corrections and the board for transferred functions shall likewise be transferred to the department. Any disagreement as to any of the transfers shall be resolved by the Governor.
(b) The enactment of this chapter and the Act by which it is enacted shall not affect or abate the status of a probation revocation or parole revocation which occurred prior to July 1, 2007."

SECTION 2.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-1-10, relating to preliminary urine screen drug tests, as follows:
"42-1-10.
(a) Any probation/parole supervisor, probation officer, parole officer, or other official or employee of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision who supervises any person covered under the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (7) of this subsection shall be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 22 of Title 31 for the limited purposes of administering a preliminary urine screen drug test to any person who is:
(1) Incarcerated;
(2) Released as a condition of probation for a felony or misdemeanor;
(3) Released as a condition of conditional release;
(4) Released as a condition of parole;
(5) Released as a condition of provisional release;
(6) Released as a condition of pretrial release; or
(7) Released as a condition of control release.
(b) The Department of Corrections, the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision, and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles shall develop a procedure for the performance of preliminary urine screen drug tests in accordance with the manufacturer´s standards for certification. Probation officers, parole officers probation/ parole supervisors, or other officials or employees of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision who are supervisors of any person covered under paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be authorized to perform preliminary urine screen drug tests in accordance with such procedure. Such procedure shall include instructions as to a confirmatory test by a licensed clinical laboratory where necessary."

SECTION 3.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-2, relating to the Advisory Council for Probation´s duties and responsibilities, as follows:
"42-8-2.
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) 'Board' means the Board of Corrections.
(2) 'Corrections' means the Department of Corrections.
(3) 'Department' means the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision.
(b) The Advisory Council for Probation shall meet, consult, and advise with the Board of Corrections board, the department, and the Department of Corrections corrections on questions and matters of mutual concern and interest relative to policy, personnel, and budget which pertain to probationary activities, powers, duties, and responsibilities of the board, and the department, and corrections. The advisory council shall institute such studies and surveys and shall make such recommendations to the board, corrections, and the department as the council deems wise and necessary and which, in the opinion of the council, will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of probation services rendered throughout the state. No change in existing policy of the board, corrections, or the department relative to probation, if the magnitude of the change will result in a significant impact upon state-wide probationary services, or any such new policy, shall be instituted by the board, corrections, or the department without opportunity being afforded to the advisory council to advise and consult with the board, corrections, or the department on the proposed changes. However, the recommendations of the advisory council shall be advisory only and shall not bind the board, corrections, or the department. The board, corrections, the department, and the council shall meet periodically throughout each year for the purpose of improving the administration, efficiency, and effectiveness of probation services."

SECTION 4.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-21, relating to definitions in the "State-wide Probation Act," as follows:
"42-8-21.
As used in this article, the term:
(1) 'Board' means the Board of Corrections.
(2) 'Commissioner' means the commissioner of corrections.
(3) 'Corrections' means the Department of Corrections.
(3)(4) 'Department' means the Department of Corrections Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision.
(5) 'Split sentence' means any felony sentence that includes a term of imprisonment followed by a term of probation."

SECTION 5.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-22, relating to creation and administration of the state-wide probation system, as follows:
"42-8-22.
There is created a state-wide probation system for felony offenders to be administered by the Department of Corrections Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision. The probation system shall not be administered as part of the duties and activities of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles; but with respect to a split sentence imposed on or after July 1, 2007, the department shall have jurisdiction over any increased period of probation resulting from a release of the defendant by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as provided for in Code Section 17-10-1.3. Separate files and records shall be kept with relation to the system."

SECTION 6.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-24, relating to the general duties of the department and rules and regulations, as follows:
"42-8-24.
It shall be the duty of the department to supervise and direct the work of the probation/parole supervisors provided for in Code Section 42-8-25 and to keep accurate files and records on all probation cases, split sentence cases, parole cases, persons released pursuant to Code Section 17-10-1, and persons on probation under supervision. It shall be the duty of the board to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter."

SECTION 7.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-25, relating to the employment of probation supervisors and assignment to circuits, as follows:
"42-8-25.
The department shall employ probation/parole supervisors. The department may assign one supervisor to each judicial circuit in this state or, for purposes of assignment, may consolidate two or more judicial circuits and assign one supervisor thereto. In the event the department determines that more than one supervisor is needed for a particular circuit, an additional supervisor or additional supervisors may be assigned to the circuit. The department is authorized to direct any probation/parole supervisor to assist any other probation/parole supervisor wherever assigned. In the event that more than one supervisor is assigned to the same office or to the same division within a particular judicial circuit, the department shall designate one of the supervisors to be in charge."

SECTION 8.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-26, relating to the qualifications of probation supervisors, compensation, expenses, conflicts of interest, and bonds, as follows:
"42-8-26.
(a) In order for a person to hold the office of probation/parole supervisor, he or she must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment and must have completed a standard two-year college course, provided that any person who is employed as a probation supervisor on or before July 1, 1972, shall not be required to meet the educational requirements specified in this Code section, nor shall he or she be prejudiced in any way for not possessing the requirements. The qualifications provided in this Code section are the minimum qualifications, and the department is authorized to prescribe such additional and higher educational qualifications from time to time as it deems desirable, but not to exceed a four-year standard college course.
(b) The compensation of the probation/parole supervisors shall be set by the State Personnel Board and the State Merit System of Personnel Administration. Probation/parole supervisors shall also be allowed travel and other expenses as are other state employees.
(c)(1) No supervisor shall engage in any other employment, business, or activities which interfere or conflict with his or her duties and responsibilities as probation/parole supervisor.
(2) No supervisor shall own, operate, have any financial interest in, be an instructor at, or be employed by any private entity which provides drug or alcohol education services or offers a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program certified by the Department of Driver Services.
(3) No supervisor shall specify, directly or indirectly, a particular DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program which a probationer may or shall attend. This paragraph shall not prohibit any supervisor from furnishing any probationer, upon request, the names of certified DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Programs. Any supervisor violating this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(d) Each probation/parole supervisor shall give bond in such amount as may be fixed by the department payable to the department for the use of the person or persons damaged by his or her misfeasance or malfeasance and conditioned on the faithful performance of his or her duties. The cost of the bond shall be paid by the department; provided, however, that the bond may be procured, either by the department or by the Department of Administrative Services, under a master policy or on a group blanket coverage basis, where only the number of positions in each judicial circuit and the amount of coverage for each position are listed in a schedule attached to the bond; and in such case each individual shall be fully bonded and bound as principal, together with the surety, by virtue of his or her holding the position or performing the duties of probation/parole supervisor in the circuit or circuits, and his or her individual signature shall not be necessary for such bond to be valid in accordance with all the laws of this state. The bond or bonds shall be made payable to the department."

SECTION 9.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-27, relating to the duties of probation supervisors, as follows:
"42-8-27.
The probation/parole supervisor shall supervise and counsel probationers in the judicial circuit to which he or she is assigned. Each supervisor shall perform the duties prescribed in this chapter and such other duties as are prescribed by the department and shall keep such records and files and make such any reports as are required of him or her."
SECTION 10.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-28, relating to the assignment of probation supervisors among the judicial circuits, as follows:
"42-8-28.
Probation/parole supervisors shall be assigned among the respective judicial circuits based generally on the relative number of persons on probation and parole in each circuit."

SECTION 11.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-29, relating to presentence investigations, supervision of probationers, and record keeping, as follows:
"42-8-29.
(a) It shall be the duty of the probation/parole supervisor to investigate all cases referred to him or her by the court and to make his findings and report thereon in writing to the court with his a recommendation. The superior court may require, before imposition of sentence, a presentence investigation and written report in each felony case in which the defendant has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or has been convicted.
(b) The probation/parole supervisor shall cause to be delivered to each person placed on probation under his or her supervision a certified copy of the terms of probation and any change or modification thereof and shall cause the person to be instructed regarding the same. He The probation/parole supervisor shall keep informed concerning the conduct, habits, associates, employment, recreation, and whereabouts of the probationer by visits, by requiring reports, or in other ways. He The probation/parole supervisor shall make such reports in writing or otherwise as the court may require. He The probation/parole supervisor shall use all practicable and proper methods to aid and encourage persons on probation and to bring about improvements in their conduct and condition.
(c) He The probation/parole supervisor shall keep records on each probationer and parolee referred to him the probation/parole supervisor."

SECTION 12.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-29.1, relating to disposition of a probation supervisor´s documents upon committing a convicted person to an institution, as follows:
"42-8-29.1.
(a) When a convicted person is committed to an institution under the jurisdiction of the department corrections, any presentence or post-sentence investigation or psychological evaluation compiled by a probation/parole supervisor or other probation official shall be forwarded to any division or office designated by the commissioner. Accompanying this document or evaluation will be the case history form and the criminal history sheets from the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Georgia Crime Information Center, if available, unless any such of this information has previously been sent to the department corrections pursuant to Code Section 42-5-50. A copy of these same documents shall be made available for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. A copy of one or more of these documents, based on need, may be forwarded to another institution to which the defendant may be committed.
(b) The prison or institution receiving these documents shall maintain the confidentiality of the documents and the information contained therein and shall not send them or release them or reveal them to any other person, institution, or agency without the express consent of the probation unit which originated or accumulated the documents."

SECTION 13.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-30, relating to supervision of juvenile offenders by probation supervisors, as follows:
"42-8-30.
In the counties where no juvenile probation system exists, juvenile offenders, upon direction of the court, shall be supervised by probation/parole supervisors. Other than in this respect, nothing in this article shall be construed to change or modify any law relative to probation as administered by any juvenile court in this state."

SECTION 14.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-31, relating to collection and disbursement of funds by probation supervisors, record keeping, and bank accounts, as follows:
"42-8-31.
No probation/parole supervisor shall collect or disburse any funds whatsoever, except by written order of the court; and it shall be the duty of the supervisor to transmit a copy of the order to the department not later than 15 days after it has been issued by the court. Every supervisor who collects or disburses any funds whatsoever shall faithfully keep the records of accounts as are required by the department, which records shall be subject to inspection by the department at any time. In every instance where a bank account is required, it shall be kept in the name of the 'State Probation Office.'"

SECTION 15.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-32, relating to funds which may be collected by probation supervisors, as follows:
"42-8-32.
No probation/parole supervisor shall be directed to collect any funds other than funds directed to be paid as the result of a criminal proceeding."

SECTION 16.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-33, relating to auditing probation supervisors´ accounts and restrictions on refunding overpayments of fines, restitution, or moneys owed, as follows:
"42-8-33.
(a) The department shall make periodic audits of each probation/parole supervisor who, by virtue of his the supervisor´s duties, has any moneys, fines, court costs, property, or other funds coming into his the supervisor´s control or possession or being disbursed by him the supervisor. The department shall keep a permanent record of the audit of each probation/parole supervisor´s accounts on file. It shall be the duty of the employee of the department conducting the audit to notify the department in writing of any discrepancy of an illegal nature that might result in prosecution. The department shall have the right to interview and make inquiry of certain selected payors or recipients of funds, as it may choose, without notifying the probation/parole supervisor, to carry out the purposes of the audit. The employee who conducts the audit shall be required to give bond in such amount as may be set by the department, in the same manner and for the same purposes as provided under Code Section 42-8-26 for the bonds of probation/parole supervisors. The bond shall bind the employee and his the surety in the performance of his the employee´s duties.
(b) Any overpayment of fines, restitutions, or other moneys owed as a condition of probation shall not be refunded to the probationer if the amount of such the overpayment is less than $5.00."

SECTION 17.
Said title is further amended by revising subsections (b), (c), and (d) of Code Section 42-8-34, relating to probation hearings, as follows:
"(b) Prior to the hearing, the court may refer the case to the probation/parole supervisor of the circuit in which the court is located for investigation and recommendation. The court, upon such reference, shall direct the supervisor to make an investigation and to report to the court, in writing at a specified time, upon the circumstances of the offense and the criminal record, social history, and present condition of the defendant, together with the supervisor´s recommendation; and it shall be the duty of the supervisor to carry out the directive of the court.
(c) Subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of Code Section 17-10-1 and subsection (f) of Code Section 17-10-3, if it appears to the court upon a hearing of the matter that the defendant is not likely to engage in a criminal course of conduct and that the ends of justice and the welfare of society do not require that the defendant shall presently suffer the penalty imposed by law, the court in its discretion shall impose sentence upon the defendant but may stay and suspend the execution of the sentence or any portion thereof or may place him the defendant on probation under the supervision and control of the probation/parole supervisor for the duration of such probation the sentence. The period of probation or suspension shall not exceed the maximum sentence of confinement which could be imposed on the defendant.
(d)(1) In every case that a court of this state or any other state sentences a defendant to probation or any pretrial release or diversion program under the supervision of the department corrections, in addition to any fine or order of restitution imposed by the court, there shall be imposed a probation fee as a condition of probation, release, or diversion in the amount equivalent to $23.00 per each month under supervision, and in addition, a one-time fee of $50.00 where such defendant was convicted of any felony. The probation fee may be waived or amended after administrative process by the department corrections and approval of the court, or upon determination by the court, as to the undue hardship, inability to pay, or any other extenuating factors which prohibit collection of the fee; provided, however, that the imposition of sanctions for failure to pay fees shall be within the discretion of the court through judicial process or hearings. Probation fees shall be waived on probationers incarcerated or detained in a departmental corrections or other confinement facility which prohibits employment for wages. All probation fees collected by the department shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury, except as provided in subsection (f) of Code Section 17-15-13, relating to sums to be paid into the Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund. Any fees collected by the court under this paragraph shall be remitted not later than the last day of the month after such fee is collected to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks´ Cooperative Authority for deposit into the general fund of the state treasury.
(2) In addition to any other provision of law, any person convicted of a violation of Code Section 40-6-391 or subsection (b) of Code Section 16-13-2 who is sentenced to probation or a suspended sentence by a municipal, magistrate, probate, recorder´s, mayor´s, state, or superior court shall also be required by the court to pay a one-time fee of $25.00. The clerk of court, or if there is no clerk the person designated to collect fines, fees, and forfeitures for such court, shall collect such fee and remit the same not later than the last day of the month after such fee is collected to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks´ Cooperative Authority for deposit into the general fund of the state treasury."

SECTION 18.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (a) of Code Section 42-8-34.2, relating to a defendant´s delinquent payment of fines, costs, or restitution or reparation and costs of garnishment, as follows:
"(a) In the event that a defendant is delinquent in the payment of fines, costs, or restitution or reparation, as was ordered by the court as a condition of probation, the defendant´s probation/parole supervisor officer is authorized, but not required, to execute a sworn affidavit wherein the amount of arrearage is set out. In addition, the affidavit shall contain a succinct statement as to what efforts the department has made in trying to collect the delinquent amount. The affidavit shall then be submitted to the sentencing court for approval. Upon signature and approval of the court, said arrearage shall then be collectable through issuance of a writ of fieri facias by the clerk of the sentencing court; and the department may enforce such collection through any judicial or other process or procedure which may be used by the holder of a writ of execution arising from a civil action."

SECTION 19.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (a) of Code Section 42-8-35, relating to terms and conditions of probation, as follows:
"(a) The court shall determine the terms and conditions of probation and may provide that the probationer shall:
(1) Avoid injurious and vicious habits;
(2) Avoid persons or places of disreputable or harmful character;
(3) Report to the probation/parole supervisor as directed;
(4) Permit the supervisor to visit the probationer at the probationer´s home or elsewhere;
(5) Work faithfully at suitable employment insofar as may be possible;
(6) Remain within a specified location; provided, however, that the court shall not banish a probationer to any area within the state:
(A) That does not consist of at least one entire judicial circuit as described by Code Section 15-6-1; or
(B) In which any service or program in which the probationer must participate as a condition of probation is not available;
(7) Make reparation or restitution to any aggrieved person for the damage or loss caused by the probationer´s offense, in an amount to be determined by the court. Unless otherwise provided by law, no reparation or restitution to any aggrieved person for the damage or loss caused by the probationer´s offense shall be made if the amount is in dispute unless the same has been adjudicated;
(8) Make reparation or restitution as reimbursement to a municipality or county for the payment for medical care furnished the person while incarcerated pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 of Chapter 4 of this title. No reparation or restitution to a local governmental unit for the provision of medical care shall be made if the amount is in dispute unless the same has been adjudicated;
(9) Repay the costs incurred by any municipality or county for wrongful actions by an inmate covered under the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 42-4-71;
(10) Support the probationer´s legal dependents to the best of the probationer´s ability;
(11) Violate no local, state, or federal laws and be of general good behavior;
(12) If permitted to move or travel to another state, agree to waive extradition from any jurisdiction where the probationer may be found and not contest any effort by any jurisdiction to return the probationer to this state; and
(13) Submit to evaluations and testing relating to rehabilitation and participate in and successfully complete rehabilitative programming as directed by the department."

SECTION 20.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-35.1, relating to special alternative incarceration, as follows:
"42-8-35.1.
(a) In addition to any other terms or conditions of probation provided for under this chapter, the trial judge may provide that probationers sentenced for felony offenses committed on or after July 1, 1993, to a period of time of not less than one year on probation as a condition of probation must satisfactorily complete a program of confinement in a 'special alternative incarceration—probation boot camp' unit of the department corrections for a period of 120 days computed from the time of initial confinement in the unit; provided, however, the department that corrections may release the defendant upon service of 90 days in recognition of excellent behavior.
(b) Before a court can place this condition upon the sentence, an initial investigation will shall be completed by the probation officer probation/parole supervisor which will indicate that the probationer is qualified for such treatment in that the individual does not appear to be physically or mentally disabled in a way that would prevent him or her from strenuous physical activity, that the individual has no obvious contagious diseases, that the individual is not less than 17 years of age nor more than 30 years of age at the time of sentencing, and that the department corrections has granted provisional approval of the placement of the individual in the 'special alternative incarceration—probation boot camp' unit.
(c) In every case where an individual is sentenced under the terms of this Code section, the sentencing court shall, within its probation order, direct the department corrections to arrange with the sheriff´s office in the county of incarceration to have the individual delivered to a designated unit of the department corrections within a specific date not more than 15 days after the issuance of such probation order by the court.
(d) At any time during the individual´s confinement in the unit, but at least five days prior to his or her expected date of release, the department corrections will certify to the trial court as to whether the individual has satisfactorily completed this condition of probation.
(e) Upon the receipt of a satisfactory report of performance in the program from the department corrections, the trial court shall release the individual from confinement in the 'special alternative incarceration—probation boot camp' unit. However, the receipt of an unsatisfactory report will be grounds for revocation of the probated sentence as would any other violation of a condition or term of probation.
(f) The satisfactory report of performance in the program from the department corrections shall, in addition to the other requirements specified in this Code section, require participation of the individual confined in the unit in such adult education courses necessary to attain the equivalency of a grade five competency level as established by the State Board of Education for elementary schools. Those individuals who are mentally disabled as determined by initial testing are exempt from mandatory participation. After the individual is released from the unit, it shall be a special condition of probation that the individual participate in an education program in the community until grade five level competency is achieved or active probation supervision terminates. It shall be the duty of the department corrections to certify to the trial court that such individual has satisfactorily completed this condition of probation while on active probation supervision. The receipt of an unsatisfactory report may be grounds for revocation of the probated sentence as would any other violation of a condition or term of probation. Under certain circumstances, the probationer may be exempt from this requirement if it is determined by the probation/parole supervisor officer that community education resources are inaccessible to the probationer."

SECTION 21.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (c) of Code Section 42-8-35.4, relating to confinement in probation detention centers, as follows:
"(c) During the period of confinement, the department corrections may transfer the probationer to other facilities in order to provide needed physical and mental health care or for other reasons essential to the care and supervision of the probationer or as necessary for the effective administration and management of its facilities."

SECTION 22.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (c) of Code Section 42-8-35.5, relating to confinement in probation diversion centers, as follows:
"(c) The department Corrections may assess and collect room and board fees from diversion center program participants at a level set by the department corrections."

SECTION 23.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (a) of Code Section 42-8-36, relating to a probationer´s duties, as follows:
"(a)(1) Any other provision of this article to the contrary notwithstanding, it shall be the duty of a probationer, as a condition of probation, to keep his or her probation/parole supervisor informed as to his or her residence. Upon the recommendation of the probation/parole supervisor, the court may also require, as a condition of probation and under such any terms as the court deems advisable, that the probationer keep the probation/parole supervisor informed as to his the probationer´s whereabouts. The failure of a probationer to report to his or her probation/parole supervisor as directed or a return of non est inventus or other return to a warrant, for the violation of the terms and conditions of probation, that the probationer cannot be found in the county that appears from the records of the probation/parole supervisor to be the probationer´s county of residence shall automatically suspend the running of the probated sentence until the probationer shall personally report to the probation/parole supervisor, is taken into custody in this state, or is otherwise available to the court; and such period of time shall not be included in computing creditable time served on probation or as any part of the time that the probationer was sentenced to serve. The effective date of the tolling of the sentence shall be the date that the officer probation/parole supervisor returns the warrant showing non est inventus. Any officer authorized by law to issue or serve warrants may return the warrant for the absconded probationer showing non est inventus.
(2) In addition to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, if the probation/parole supervisor submits an affidavit to the court stating that a probationer has absconded and cannot be found, the running of the probated sentence shall be suspended effective on the date such affidavit is submitted to the court and continuing until the probationer shall personally report to the probation/parole supervisor, is taken into custody in this state, or is otherwise available to the court."

SECTION 24.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (b) of Code Section 42-8-37, relating to terminating and reviewing probation cases, as follows:
"(b) Upon the request of the chief judge of the court from which said a person was sentenced, the case of each person receiving a probated sentence of more than two years shall be reviewed by the probation/parole supervisor responsible for that case after service of two years on probation, and a written report of the probationer´s progress shall be submitted to the sentencing court along with the supervisor´s recommendation as to early termination. Upon the request of the chief judge of the court from which said person was sentenced, each such case shall be reviewed and a written report submitted annually thereafter, or more often if required, until the termination, expiration, or other disposition of the case."

SECTION 25.
Said title is further amended by revising subsections (a) and (d) of Code Section 42-8-38, relating to the procedures in probation revocation matters, as follows:
"(a) Whenever, within the period of probation, a probation/parole supervisor believes that a probationer under his or her supervision has violated his the terms of probation in a material respect, he the probation/parole supervisor may arrest the probationer without warrant, wherever found, and return him the probationer to the court granting the probation or, if under supervision in a county or judicial circuit other than that of conviction, to a court of equivalent original criminal jurisdiction within the county wherein the probationer resides for purposes of supervision. Any officer authorized by law to issue warrants may issue a warrant for the arrest of the probationer upon the affidavit of one having knowledge of the alleged violation, returnable forthwith before the court in which revocation proceedings are being brought."
"(d) In cases where the probation is revoked in a county other than the county of original conviction, the clerk of court in the county revoking probation may record the order of revocation in the judge´s minute docket, which recordation shall constitute sufficient permanent record of the proceedings in that court. The clerk shall send one copy of the order revoking probation to the department corrections to serve as a temporary commitment and shall send the original order revoking probation and all other papers pertaining thereto to the county of original conviction to be filed with the original records. The clerk of court of the county of original conviction shall then issue a formal commitment to the department corrections."

SECTION 26.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-42, relating to the provision of office space and clerical help by the Department of Corrections and counties, as follows:
"42-8-42.
The department Corrections may provide office space and clerical help wherever needed. The counties of this state shall cooperate in this respect and, wherever possible, shall furnish office space if needed."

SECTION 27.
Said title is further amended by revising subsections (b) and (c) of Code Section 42-8-72, relating to community service as a condition of probation, as follows:
"(b) The judge may confer with the prosecutor, defense attorney, probation/parole supervisor, community service officer, or other interested persons to determine if the community service program is appropriate for an offender. If community service is ordered as a condition of probation, the court shall order:
(1) Not less than 20 hours nor more than 250 hours in cases involving traffic or ordinance violations or misdemeanors, said service to be completed within one year; or
(2) Not less than 20 hours nor more than 500 hours in felony cases, said service to be completed within three years.
(c)(1) Any agency may recommend to the court that certain disabled persons are in need of a live-in attendant. The judge shall confer with the prosecutor, defense attorney, probation/parole supervisor, community service officer, or other interested persons to determine if a community service program involving a disabled person is appropriate for an offender. If community service as a live-in attendant for a disabled person is deemed appropriate and if both the offender and the disabled person consent to such service, the court may order such live-in community service as a condition of probation but for no longer than two years.
(2) The agency shall be responsible for coordinating the provisions of the cost of food or other necessities for the offender which the disabled person is not able to provide. The agency, with the approval of the court, shall determine a schedule which will provide the offender with certain free hours each week.
(3) Such live-in arrangement shall be terminated by the court upon the request of the offender or the disabled person. Upon termination of such an arrangement, the court shall determine if the offender has met the conditions of probation.
(4) The appropriate agency shall make personal contact with the disabled person on a frequent basis to ensure the safety and welfare of the disabled person."

SECTION 28.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (b) of Code Section 42-8-111, relating to court ordered installation of ignition interlock devices, as follows:
"(b) Any resident of this state who is ordered to use an ignition interlock device, as a condition of probation, shall complete the DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program and submit to the court or probation department Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision a certificate of completion of the DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program and certification of installation of a certified ignition interlock device to the extent required by subsection (a) of this Code section."

SECTION 29.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (a) of Code Section 42-8-114, relating to specifying providers for ignition interlock devices, as follows:
"(a) No judicial officer, probation officer, probation/parole supervisor, law enforcement officer, or other officer or employee of a court; person who owns, operates, or is employed by a private company which has contracted to provide private probation services for misdemeanor cases; or professional bondsman or agent or employee thereof shall specify, directly or indirectly, a particular provider center which the person may or shall utilize when use of an ignition interlock device is required. This subsection shall not prohibit any judicial officer, probation officer, probation/parole supervisor, law enforcement officer, or other officer or employee of a court; owner, operator, or employee of a private company which has contracted to provide probation services for misdemeanor cases; or professional bondsman or agent or employee thereof from furnishing any person, upon request, the names of certified provider centers."

SECTION 30.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-8-116, relating to warning labels for ignition interlock devices, as follows:
"42-8-116.
The providers certified by the Department of Driver Services shall design and adopt pursuant to regulations of the department Department of Driver Services a warning label which shall be affixed to each ignition interlock device upon installation. The label shall contain a warning that any person tampering, circumventing, or otherwise misusing the device is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be subject to civil liability."

SECTION 31.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-9-3, relating to definitions related to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, as follows:
"42-9-3.
As used in this chapter, the term:
(1) 'Board' 'board' means the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
(2) 'Department' means the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision.
(3) 'Split sentence' means any felony sentence that includes a term of imprisonment followed by a term of probation."

SECTION 32.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-9-20, relating to general powers and duties of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, as follows:
"42-9-20.
(a) In all cases in which the chairman of the board or any other member designated by the board has suspended the execution of a death sentence to enable the full board to consider and pass on same, it shall be mandatory that the board act within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of the suspension order. In the cases which the board has power to consider, the board shall be charged with the duty of determining which inmates serving sentences imposed by a court of this state may be released on pardon or parole and fixing the time and conditions thereof. The board shall also be charged with the duty of supervising all persons placed on parole, of determining violations thereof and of taking action with reference thereto, of making such investigations as may be necessary, and of aiding parolees or probationers in securing employment. It shall be the duty of the board personally to study the cases of those inmates whom the board has power to consider so as to determine their ultimate fitness for such relief as the board has power to grant. The board by an affirmative vote of a majority of its members shall have the power to commute a sentence of death to one of life imprisonment.
(b) With respect to inmates sentenced under split sentences entered on or after July 1, 2007, and all persons paroled or otherwise released by the board prior to completion of his or her sentence on or after July 1, 2007, the board shall have no duty to supervise inmates who have been paroled or otherwise released prior to completion of their sentence of confinement. Supervision of inmates paroled, released, or released from split sentence confinement shall be through an increase in their period of probation, as provided in Code Section 17-10-1.3. Any reference elsewhere in this chapter to duties of the board with respect to supervision of parolees and other persons released from confinement shall not include inmates released from confinement on or after July 1, 2007."

SECTION 33.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-9-21, relating to supervision of persons placed on parole or other conditional release, as follows:
"42-9-21.
(a) The board shall have the function and responsibility of supervising all persons placed on parole or other conditional release by the board prior to July 1, 2007. On and after July 1, 2007, the department shall have the function and responsibility of supervising all persons placed on parole or other conditional release by the board.
(b) The board is and the department are authorized to maintain and operate or to enter into memoranda of agreement or other written documents evidencing contracts with other state agencies, persons, or any other entities for transitional or intermediate or other services or for programs deemed by the board or the department to be necessary for parolees or others conditionally released from imprisonment by order of the board and to require as a condition of relief that the offender pay directly to the provider a reasonable fee for said services or programs.
(c) In all cases where restitution is applicable, the board or department shall collect during the parole period those sums determined to be owed to the victim."

SECTION 34.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (d) of Code Section 42-9-42, relating to procedure for granting relief from sentence, conditions, and violations of parole, as follows:
"(d)(1) Any person who is paroled shall be released on such the terms and conditions as the board shall prescribe. The board shall diligently see that no peonage is allowed in the guise of parole relationship or supervision. The parolee shall remain in the legal custody of the board until the expiration of the maximum term specified in his the parolee´s sentence or until he the parolee is pardoned by the board and shall be supervised during this period of time by the department.
(2) The board may require the payment of a parole supervision fee of at least $10.00 per month as a condition of parole or other conditional release. The monthly amount shall be set by rule of the board and shall be uniform state wide. The board may require or the parolee or person under conditional release may request that up to 24 months of the supervision fee be paid in advance of the time to be spent on parole or conditional release. In such cases, any advance payments are nonreimbursable in the event of parole or conditional release revocation or if parole or conditional release is otherwise terminated prior to the expiration of the sentence being served on parole or conditional release. Such The fees shall be collected by the board to a probation/parole supervisor and shall be paid into the general fund of the state treasury."

SECTION 35.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-9-44, relating to terms and conditions of parole and violation of parole, as follows:
"42-9-44.
(a) The board, upon placing a person on parole, shall specify in writing the terms and conditions thereof. A certified copy of the conditions shall be given to the parolee. Thereafter, a copy shall be sent to the clerk of the court in which the person was convicted. The board shall adopt general rules concerning the terms and conditions of parole and concerning what shall constitute a violation thereof and shall make special rules to govern particular cases. The rules, both general and special, may include, among other things, a requirement that the parolee shall not leave this state or any definite area in this state without the consent of the board; that the parolee shall contribute to the support of his or her dependents to the best of the parolee´s ability; that the parolee shall make reparation or restitution for his or her crime; that the parolee shall abandon evil associates and ways; and that the parolee shall carry out the instructions of his or her probation/parole supervisor, and, in general, so comport himself or herself as the parolee´s supervisor shall determine. A violation of the terms of parole may render the parolee liable to arrest and a return to a penal institution to serve out the term for which the parolee was sentenced.
(b) Each parolee who does not have a high school diploma or a general educational development equivalency diploma (GED) shall be required as a condition of parole to obtain a high school diploma or general educational development equivalency diploma (GED) or to pursue a trade at a vocational or technical school college. Any such parolee who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board an existing ability or skill which does in fact actually furnish the parolee a reliable, regular, and sufficient income shall not be subject to this provision. Any parolee who is determined by the Department of Corrections department or the board to be incapable of completing such requirements shall only be required to attempt to improve their his or her basic educational skills. Failure of any parolee subject to this requirement to attend the necessary schools or courses or to make reasonable progress toward fulfillment of such requirement shall be grounds for revocation of parole. The board shall establish regulations regarding reasonable progress as required by this subsection. This subsection shall apply to paroles granted on or after July 1, 1995."

SECTION 36.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (d) of Code Section 42-9-48, relating to arrest of parolee or conditional release violator, as follows:
"(d) Any probation/parole supervisor, when he or she has reasonable ground to believe that a parolee or conditional releasee has violated the terms or conditions of his or her parole or conditional release in a material respect, shall notify the board or some member thereof; and proceedings shall thereupon be had as provided in this Code section."

SECTION 37.
Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 42-9-57, relating to the effect of parole on probation and the board´s cooperation with local agencies, as follows:
"42-9-57.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as repealing any power given to any court of this state to place offenders on probation or to supervise the same nor any power of any probation agency set up in any county of the this state in conjunction with the courts. The board shall be authorized to cooperate with any such agencies, except that it and specifically with the department for purposes of supervising parolees and persons released pursuant to conditional release. The board shall not assume or pay any financial obligations thereof. The board shall also be authorized to cooperate with the courts for the probation of offenders in those counties in which there is no existing probation agency, when a court so requests of other agencies but shall share appropriately in the financial obligation of the department for purposes of supervision needs of the board."

SECTION 38.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (b) of Code Section 42-9-90, relating to application fee required for parolee transfer consideration, as follows:
"(b) The Department of Corrections department and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles board are authorized to require any nonindigent adult offender to pay a $25.00 application fee when applying to transfer his or her supervision from Georgia to any other state or territory pursuant to the provisions of Articles 3 and 4 of this chapter."

SECTION 39.
Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to crimes and offenses, is amended by revising subsection (b) of Code Section 16-6-5.1, relating to sexual assaults against persons in custody, detained, in hospitals, or involved in psychotherapy, as follows:
"(b) A probation/parole supervisor or parole probation officer or other custodian or supervisor of another person referred to in this Code section commits sexual assault when he or she engages in sexual contact with another person who is a probationer or parolee under the supervision of said probation/parole supervisor or parole probation officer or who is in the custody of law or who is enrolled in a school or who is detained in or is a patient in a hospital or other institution and such actor has supervisory or disciplinary authority over such other person. A person convicted of sexual assault shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ten nor more than 30 years; provided, however, that any person convicted of the offense of sexual assault under this subsection of a child under the age of 14 years shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 25 nor more than 50 years. Any person convicted under this subsection of the offense of sexual assault shall, in addition, be subject to the sentencing and punishment provisions of Code Section 17-10-6.2."

SECTION 40.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (b) of Code Section 16-10-24, relating to obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers, as follows:
"(b) Whoever knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs, or opposes any law enforcement officer, prison guard, correctional officer, probation/parole supervisor, parole supervisor, or conservation ranger in the lawful discharge of his or her official duties by offering or doing violence to the person of such officer or legally authorized person is guilty of a felony and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years."

SECTION 41.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (a) of Code Section 16-10-33, relating to removal or attempted removal of a weapon from a public official and punishment therefor, as follows:
"(a) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to remove or attempt to remove a firearm, chemical spray, or baton from the possession of another person if:
(1) The other person is lawfully acting within the course and scope of employment; and
(2) The person has knowledge or reason to know that the other person is employed as:
(A) A peace officer as defined in paragraph (8) of Code Section 35-8-2;
(B) A probation officer, or other employee with the power of arrest, by the Department of Corrections Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision;
(C) A probation/parole supervisor, or other employee with the power of arrest, by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision;
(D) A jail officer or guard by a county or municipality and has the responsibility of supervising inmates who are confined in a county or municipal jail or other detention facility; or
(E) A juvenile correctional officer by the Department of Juvenile Justice and has the primary responsibility for the supervision and control of youth confined in such department´s programs and facilities."

SECTION 42.
Said title is further amended by revising subsection (d) of Code Section 16-11-37, relating to terroristic threats and acts and penalties therefor, as follows:
"(d) A person who commits or attempts to commit a terroristic threat or act with the intent to retaliate against any person for:
(1) Attending a judicial or administrative proceeding as a witness, attorney, judge, or party or producing any record, document, or other object in a judicial or official proceeding; or
(2) Providing to a law enforcement officer, adult probation/parole supervisor or juvenile probation officer, prosecuting attorney, or judge any information relating to the commission or possible commission of an offense under the laws of this state or of the United States or a violation of conditions of bail, pretrial release, probation, or parole
shall be guilty of the offense of a terroristic threat or act and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished, for a terroristic threat, by imprisonment for not less than five nor more than ten years or by a fine of not less than $50,000.00, or both, and, for a terroristic act, by imprisonment for not less than five nor more than 20 years or by a fine of not less than $100,000.00, or both."

SECTION 43.
Said title is further amended by revising paragraph (1) of Code Section 16-11-124, relating to exemptions from application of the "Georgia Firearms and Weapons Act," as follows:
"(1) A peace officer of any duly authorized police agency of this state or of any political subdivision thereof, or a law enforcement officer of any department or agency of the United States who is regularly employed and paid by the United States, this state, or any such political subdivision, or an employee of the Department of Corrections of this state who is authorized in writing by the commissioner of corrections to transfer or possess such firearms while in the official performance of his or her duties, or an employee of the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision of this state who is authorized in writing by the director of the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision to transfer or possess such firearms while in the official performance of his or her duties;".

SECTION 44.
Said title is further amended by revising paragraph (12) of subsection (c) of Code Section 16-11-127.1, relating to carrying weapons within school safety zones, at school functions, or on school property, as follows:
"(12) Probation supervisors employed by and under the authority of the Department of Corrections pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 8 of Title 42, known as the 'State-wide Probation Act,' when specifically designated and authorized in writing by the director of the Division of Probation or an employee of the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision of this state who is authorized in writing by the director of the Department of Probation/Parole Community Based Supervision to transfer or possess such firearms while in the official performance of his or her duties;".

SECTION 45.
Said title is further amended by revising subsections (a) and (b) of Code