Senate committee advances bill to speed habitual‑offender designations

Senator Martin presented SB 892 to the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice as a measure to streamline the procedural steps for designating habitual felony offenders, habitual violent felony offenders, three‑time violent felony offenders and violent career criminals.

The sponsor said current practice requires prosecutors to obtain certified records from the clemency office to prove an offender has not received clemency. SB 892 would change the timing and notice requirements—allowing prosecutors to provide the required information before a plea—reducing paperwork lag that can keep defendants in county jail while awaiting verification and transfer to the Department of Corrections.

Committee members asked clarifying questions, but no appearance forms were filed and there was no extended debate. The clerk called the roll and the committee reported SB 892 favorably.