The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing has established standing committees to increase member involvement in operations, oversight of staff work-units, and engagement in policy development.
Executive and Administrative Committee
Oversees Executive Unit and Administrative and Financial Support Unit, with review of budget and personnel issues; establishes general policies and promulgates rules and regulations for the Commission as necessary. Reviews contracts, leases and cooperative agreements with government agencies and private contractors for services, personnel, and equipment required by the Commission. Due to the Commission’s role as a Legislative agency, the membership of the committee includes the Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission and all Legislative members of the Commission.
Chair:
- Representative Rick Krajewski, Commission Chair
Members:
- Judge Edward M. Marsico, Jr., Commission Vice Chair
- Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr.
- Senator Sharif Street
- Representative Timothy R. Bonner
Staff:
- Dr. Matthew Kleiman, Ryan Meyers, Jadine Reese
Applications and Information Technology Committee
Oversees Applications and Information Technology Unit, with review of data collection via SGS Web, support and development of SGS Web modules and other applications, and automated data exchange via JNET and with other agencies. Responsible for review of any sensitive, protected, or personally-identifiable information (PII) obtained by the Commission, and maintaining the quality and security of all data collected.
Chair:
- Senator Sharif Street
Members:
- Judge Craig Dally
- District Attorney Nathan L. Bible
- Representative Rick Krajewski, Commission Chair (ex officio)
Staff:
- Kristie Bundro, Dr. Matthew Kleiman
Research and Data Analysis Committee
Oversees Research and Data Analysis Unit, including research partnerships, with review of the Commission’s research agenda and data management; including requirements to monitor, evaluate, and produce reports on correctional programs (e.g., SRDP, RRRI); prepare and disseminate information on the effectiveness of sentences imposed and related matters; prepare annual data sets for analysis and dissemination. Responsible for review of data used and made available for public access; preparation of annual data sets; and research and evaluation projects, including work associated with simulations, impact analysis and resource utilization.
Chair:
- Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr.
Members:
- Judge Barbara McDermott
- Professor John T. Rago
- Representative Rick Krajewski, Commission Chair (ex officio)
Staff:
- Brett Miller, Dr. Matthew Kleiman
Education and Outreach Committee
Oversees Education and Outreach Unit, with review of issues impacting current guidelines and risk assessments and related implementation matters. Oversees a clearinghouse and information center for Commonwealth sentencing and parole practices. Reviews sentencing, correctional and parole statutes and appellate court decisions as they impact current guidelines and provide direction to courts and practitioners. Coordinates efforts to implement guidelines for fines and economic sanctions, sentencing and resentencing, and parole as well as recommitment ranges and risk assessment. Oversees education and outreach efforts, provide data and technical assistance to counties, and monitor compliance with guidelines.
Chair:
- Representative Timothy R. Bonner
Members:
- Judge Maria McLaughlin
- Attorney Mark D. Bolkovac
- Representative Rick Krajewski, Commission Chair (ex officio)
Staff:
- Robert J. Sisock, Ryan S. Meyers
Policy Committee
A committee-of-the-whole, responsible for review of sentencing, correctional and parole statutes; makes recommendations to the General Assembly to maintain an effective, humane, and rational sentencing and parole policy. Coordinates the development, review and modification of guidelines and policies, including guidelines for fines and economic sanctions, sentencing and resentencing, and parole; recommitment ranges; risk assessment instrument; and any new statutory requirements. Review of final impact analyses and resource utilization. Coordinates information received from policy-related sub-committees and work groups and conducts informational meetings. The Vice-Chair of the Commission is Chair of the Policy Committee.
Chair:
- Judge Edward M. Marsico, Jr.
Members:
- All Commission Members (appointed and ex officio)
Staff:
- Dr. Matthew Kleiman, Ryan Meyers
1 Committees limited to five members; member except when both Chair and Vice Chair are non-Legislative members.