By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-990552.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – House Committee members are debating a bill that would grant early release for certain inmates who complete drug treatment programs. As Sascha Cordner reports, though the bill passed favorably out of committee Tuesday, members of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee say it has a long a way to go.
Democratic State Representative Ari Porth of Coral Springs says his bill offers non-violent offenders a second chance and will save the state money. But, Republican Representative Carlos Trujillo of Miami says he agrees with the concept, but still disagrees with the bill:
" I think some of the people that batter police officers, that resist arrest without violence, that steal motor vehicles, that have a history of disobeying the law, should not be given a second, third, and fourth chance."
The bill, as written, says prisoners can be eligible for early release if they complete at least half of their sentence, but some lawmakers want to increase that to at least 60-percent. Others are not in favor of allowing the re-sentencing of an inmate, so that the bill does not violate a rule that all Florida inmates must serve at least 85-percent of their sentence before consideration for parole. Representative Porth, the bill's sponsor, promised changes would be made before the bill heads to its next committee.