WEBER, DAVIS, GET DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM

Pilot project signed by Gov. Leavitt designed to assist parolees

SALT LAKE CITY -- The 2nd District Court serving Weber and Davis counties
will host a new "drug board" pilot project for parolees under legislation
signed into law Friday by Gov. Mike Leavitt.

House Bill 281, sponsored by Rep. John Swallow, R-Sandy, and Sen. Robert
Montgomery, R-North Ogden, allocates $2.5 million, mainly from the
settlement with big tobacco companies, to cure drug offenders of the habits
that got them into trouble. Lawmakers believe that by treating drug abusers,
they may not only reduce drug offenses, but also crimes like theft and
assault that are often drug-related.

"In the long term, this could have a significant effect because so many
felony inmates are in prison because of convictions related to drug abuse,"
Montgomery said Friday.

The bill directs $2 million to drug courts, an alternative program for drug
offenders who would otherwise go to prison. In drug courts, non-violent
convicted criminals are supervised closely and regularly tested for drug
use.

If they miss an appointment or fail a drug test, the drug court judge is
empowered to jail them immediately.

Drug courts already exist in a number of Utah jurisdictions, and will be
expanded under the bill. Judge Dennis Fuchs' drug court in Salt Lake boasts
a success rate of more than 90 percent, officials said.

The "drug board" pilot project, which received $500,000 under HB 281, is
essentially a drug court program for people who violate their parole through
alcohol or drug abuse. Lawmakers and corrections officials hope to reduce
recidivism by offering focused treatment to parolees who backslide.

If it works in Weber and Davis counties, the program could be expanded.

The 2nd District was seen as the right place for the pilot drug board
because of Judge Jon Memmott's interest in the concept, and the ready
availability of a "day reporting center," where substance abusers can get
counseling, drug testing, life skills classes and other services.

"It is important to provide an alternative to prison for offenders with drug
abuse problems," Leavitt said. "By providing these programs, we can help
them beat their addictions and work towards starting a new life."

Swallow and Montgomery originally hoped to get up to $5.8 million for drug
court and drug board programs, but money was tight in the 2000 Legislature
and Montgomery was happy to get the programs started at all. "You get all
you can get and you do what you can," he said Friday.

Leavitt also signed HB 208 and HB 209 on Friday. Both bills were sponsored
by Rep. Nora Stephens, R-Sunset, and stiffened penalties for drunk driving.