Recidivism Definition Working Group

The act requires the division of criminal justice in the department of public safety to convene a working group to develop a definition of "recidivism" to be used by each state entity that collects data or reports on recidivism, in any report issued by the entity. The working group consists of:

• Representatives of the judicial department, the department of corrections, the division of youth services in the department of human services, the state board of parole, and the department of public safety;
• A member from an institution of higher education; and
• A representative from a community-based organization that works for criminal legal reform and supports consistent data collection.

The working group shall develop a definition of "recidivism" no later than January 15, 2025. The definition must include:

• A clearly defined measurement point to begin tracking recidivism;
• A clear description of the cohort to be tracked;
• That the recidivism event is a new deferred agreement or adjudication or conviction for a felony or misdemeanor offense, including "Victim Rights Act" crimes; and
• A clearly defined time period during which an event is considered a recidivism event, consistent with best practices for measuring recidivism.

Each state entity that collects data or reports on recidivism in any report issued by the entity shall begin using the working group's definition on July 1, 2025.

Subject to available resources, and before January 15, 2025, the working group may develop definitions of other metrics or data points related to recidivism or the desistance from crime that state entities may use.

APPROVED by Governor March 6, 2024

EFFECTIVE March 6, 2024
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)