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TALLAHASSEE - The state would keep a closer eye on people on probation under two bills the Senate passed Tuesday.
Lawmakers took an increased interest in bills affecting probationers this session because of the abduction and killing of 11-year-old Carlie Brucia in Sarasota this year. Joseph P. Smith, the man charged in the crimes, was free at the time despite having violated terms of a drug offender probation program.
The first bill (SB 2284) requires the Department of Corrections to develop a risk assessment system to assess and monitor some probationers by Dec. 31, and expands the agency's ability to electronically monitor probationers.
That measure also requires the department to better screen inmates as they are leaving confinement, to determine whether they need to participate in rehabilitation programs, and extends treatment services to people who weren't able to participate in drug programs while incarcerated.
A House companion (HB 1801) could be taken up by the full chamber as soon as today.
The second Senate bill (SB 2426) also would allow courts to order electronic monitoring of suspects released before their trial.
The House companion (HB 943) failed to advance through its assigned committees, but could still be taken up.