WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 5276

Requires the state to enter into an agreement with the Rand Corporation to conduct a study of the impact the 2020 Discovery Reform legislation has had on the handling of criminal cases

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey

Mandates a Rand Corporation study in the state to measure how the 2020 Discovery Reform changed criminal-case processing and outcomes, to guide future policy.

REFERRED TO FINANCE
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5276

Bill Summary: S 5276 – Study on the Impact of 2020 Discovery Reform

Overview

S 5276 would require the state to enter into an agreement with the Rand Corporation to conduct a study evaluating the impact of the 2020 Discovery Reform legislation on how criminal cases are handled. The bill is sponsored by Jamaal Bailey (primary) and is currently referenced to the Finance committee.

Purpose and Intent

  • To assess and quantify how the 2020 Discovery Reform has affected the processing, management, and outcomes of criminal cases within the state.
  • To provide an independent, evidence-based evaluation that could inform future policy decisions related to criminal justice procedures and reform.

Key Provisions

  • Mandate: The state must enter into an agreement with the Rand Corporation to conduct the study.
  • Study Focus: The impact of the 2020 Discovery Reform legislation on the handling of criminal cases (e.g., case processing efficiency, disclosure practices, timelines, fairness, resource use, and outcomes).
  • Deliverables: While not specified in detail in the summary provided, the study will be conducted and results delivered to the legislature (as is typical for such mandates).
  • Partnership: Rand Corporation would serve as the research-design entity for the study.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State government and agencies involved in criminal justice (courts, prosecutors, defense, and related administrative bodies) would be the primary subjects of the study and its data.
  • Rand Corporation would be engaged as the external research contractor.
  • Taxpayers and the public could be affected indirectly through any policy recommendations or reforms that result from the study findings.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Finance (indicating a fiscal consideration, funding for the study will be reviewed by the committee).
  • Legislative actions show the bill has been referred to Finance; no further steps or deadline are provided in the summary.
  • There are related bills noted (e.g., S 8526, A 3453), suggesting concurrent or companion measures in other sessions or chambers.

Related Bills

  • S 8526 (prior-session) – related sponsor or scope.
  • A 3453 (companion) – cross-chamber companion.

Sponsor

  • Jamaal Bailey (primary sponsor)

Notes for Readers

  • The bill does not specify a funding amount or exact study methodology in the summary provided. If enacted, expect further fiscal analysis and potential amendments outlining scope, data sources, methodology (e.g., timeframes, metrics, and deliverables), and funding specifics in Finance committee deliberations.
  • The bill aligns with ongoing post-reform evaluation efforts typical in criminal justice policy, seeking independent assessment to guide future reforms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.