123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1627		LR 487(02)
	An Act To Protect Families and Enhance Public Safety by Making Domestic Violence a Crime
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "     "
	Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund Increase in county jail costs
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
	This bill establishes new Class C and D crimes of domestic violence.  Sentences of more than nine months imposed for Class C crimes must be served in state correctional facilities.  The average cost to the state for each sentence is $70,308 based on an average length of stay of 1 year, 10 months.  Sentences of nine months or less imposed for a Class C crime must be served in county jails.  The average cost to a county for each sentence is $19,947 based on an average length of stay of 6 months and 2 days.  Also, Class D sentences must be served in county jails.  The Judicial Department has indicated that defendants are currently charged under other assault statutes and the change in caseload is expected to minor.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The additional costs to the Department of the Attorney General can be absorbed utilizing existing budgeted resources.