Alternative Sentencing Policies for Drug Offenders: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Kansas Senate Bill 123

Kansas Senate Bill 123, an Alternative Sentencing Policy for Non-Violent Drug Possession Offenders, established a nonprison sanction of drug abuse treatment for offenders sentenced on or after 11/2003. This impact evaluation will compare offenders sentenced under SB123 between 11/2003 and 11/2006 to two groups: similar offenders sentenced prior to 11/2003, and similar offenders sentenced during the same period but to standard probation. Outcomes of interests include recidivism, drug use, and other behavioral changes in offenders, in addition to cost effectiveness. Archival data will be collected for all offenders in 31 districts, and self-report interview data will be collected for a sample of offenders. Interviews will also be conducted with criminal justice system representatives to examine charging, sentencing, and supervision processes and any changes relating to the introduction of SB123.
CA/NCF