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Gov. Scott Signs Bill Into Law Aimed At Helping Florida Inmates

MGN Online

Governor Rick Scott has signed a bill into law meant to help Florida’s inmates.

Among its many provisions is allowing inmates sentenced after October 1995 to receive 60 days off their sentence if they complete a high school diploma or vocational certificate. It would not breach the 85 percent rule, requiring Florida inmates to serve 85 percent of their sentence before their release. Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones says this is crucial.

“And, I think that’s going to be huge. Carrot and stick: Let’s present programming to inmates, encourage them to do the programming, get the education, get the additional skills, reward them for that, so we put out a better citizen when we leave prison,” she said.

The new law—slated to take effect July 1st—will also allow the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to receive an inmate’s medical records or mental health records when the agency investigates an inmate death or injury.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.