Senator received support from probation firm owner, bondsmen group
By Sandy Hodson, The Augusta Chronicle, Ga. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
In addition, three days before the legislative session began, state Sen.
During the session, the Republican sponsored a bill that increases the fees these companies charge to post bonds, which are generally set by judges.
Stone is one of two candidates to become the next Burke County State Court judge. The court contracts with a private company, CSRA Probation Services, to supervise those on probation for misdemeanors.
On
Stone qualified to run for re-election on
Stone said last week that he was trying to reach a compromise between those supporting private probation and those opposed to it. It isn't perfect, Stone said, but both sides got some of the things they wanted.
"I respectfully disagree with
"There isn't an ounce of real reform in it," he wrote.
As Stone pointed out, he didn't introduce the bill. In its first draft, it directly referenced a ruling by Augusta Judicial Circuit
State lawmakers dumped the responsibility of supervising misdemeanor probationers onto local governments in 2000. They can create their own probation departments or contract for the services. With private companies charging local governments nothing for their services -- their income derives from the fees probationers pay -- it became the option of choice for most.
If the governor signs the bill into law or doesn't veto it by the end of the month, private probation companies will be able to seek imprisonment of probationers who don't pay their fees.
According to state Ethics Commission records, the Private Probation Association of
The three representatives who received campaign contributions also voted for the bill. House Speaker
Stone said the donation had nothing to do with his sponsorship of the bail bondsmen bill. He said it was in response to a case where a bonding company's escrow requirement was
drastically increased. Current law says the cash escrow amount is approved by the sheriff.
That bill, which is also awaiting the governor's signature, allows companies in business for at least 18 months to limit the escrow to no more than 10 percent of its bail bond liability. The bill also increased their fees from 12 percent for bonds of
Stone said he receives contributions from a lot of people and organizations. According to campaign disclosure reports, he has had numerous contributors since his first run for state
Stone said he takes an interest in the judicial system and pointed to his sponsorship of a bill regarding the no-contact provisions in cases of domestic violence and another that increased the penalty for contempt of court. If Stone becomes the next Burke County State Court judge, he would contract for private probation services, set bonds, deal with domestic violence cases, and have the power to hold someone in contempt of court.
Referring to the commendation letter from a private probation company owner and a bail bondsmen lobby's campaign contribution, Stone said, "I don't see these as conflicts of interest."
___
(c)2014 The Augusta Chronicle (Augusta, Ga.)
Visit The Augusta Chronicle (Augusta, Ga.) at chronicle.augusta.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 950 |
Medical marijuana used in Augusta, activist says
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News