CS/SB 1722--Department of Corrections.

This bill provides for programs that will divert non-violent offenders to non-state prison sanctions, including drug treatment and other diversion options. The bill amends sentencing policy to prohibit certain felons from receiving a state prison sanction and provides for discretionary sentencing alternatives for other specified felons. The bill is also intended to provide cost savings to the Department of Corrections (DoC) through capping certain medical services payments; raising the inmate medical co-payment for non-emergency medical visits; requiring offenders to pay for their electronic monitoring; and other departmental efficiencies. The bill further authorizes the Division of Bond Finance to negotiate the sale of bonds for Fiscal Year 2009-2010; authorizes DoC to contract with county and municipal facilities in Florida and out-of-state public and private facilities if necessary; and provides a statute of limitation period for the state to seek recovery of damages in cost of incarceration civil actions, and specifies that such damages are to be determined based upon the length of the sentence imposed by the court. These provisions were approved by the Governor and take effect July 1, 2009. Ch. 09-63, L.O.F.