The council shall:
I. Identify, study, develop, and implement effective criminal and juvenile justice policy.II. Promote the effective allocation and use of public and private resources within the criminal and juvenile justice system.III. Foster effective communication, understanding, cooperation, and coordination among those involved in, or affected by, the criminal and juvenile justice system.IV. Inform and engage the public regarding criminal and juvenile justice matters.V. The council shall investigate and propose legislation that would develop a statewide model for pretrial services for counties to adopt where, if minimum criteria established in the model are met, the county would be able to apply for reimbursement from a fund to be established by the legislature. As a part of the recommended legislation, a source for funding should be identified as well as the appropriate number and kind of services that must be included to qualify for reimbursement, based on the needs of a particular county that may not require all of the services outlined in the model plan.VI. The council shall investigate and propose legislation that would establish a modern electronic system within the courts for case tracking, with different levels of access from outside entities based upon need. This shall include law enforcement, defense counsel, bail commissioners, and the general public for research purposes. This system shall connect all courts within the state and shall allow for electronic filings, orders of the court, and any other such information as the commission deems necessary after investigating the matter.VII. The council shall investigate and propose legislation to establish offices of victim and witness advocates within the offices of the county attorneys, to the extent such services are not already available, and using the office of victim/witness assistance at the department of justice as a model. The offices will provide support for victims of crime and witnesses to crime who are testifying on behalf of the state. This office should provide information related to the rights of victims in criminal cases, including, but not limited to, their ability to give victim impact statements, to be notified of all dates, times, and locations of proceedings in their cases, to be notified of the pending release of defendants, and to obtain protective orders; as well as information on the availability of various public and private assistance for victims of domestic violence or with food and shelter and on the availability of medical insurance and services; and any other roles as may deemed appropriate by the council. The council shall make recommendations for funding sources for this office, such as criminal fines or other sources.Amended by 2024, 181:1, eff. 7/12/2024. 2008, 201 : 1 , eff. June 16, 2008.