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March 27, 2008

House OKs bill that would let inmates out earlier

PROVIDENCE -- House lawmakers struggling with a financial crisis have voted to save money by letting prisoners leave state prison sooner if they behave and work.

The bill passed this evening 56-9. The proposal must still be approved by the state Senate before it could become law.

Rhode Island is facing a massive budget deficit estimated at around $560 million. Governor Carcieri, a Republican, and Democratic lawmakers had proposed cutting prison costs by allowing prisoners more time off their sentences for good behavior, working and getting treatment.

Under the House proposal, inmates could cut short their sentences by 12 days for every month they follow prison rules and work. Most prisoners are now eligible for lesser reductions.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 6:36 PM | Permalink

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David R | March 27, 2008 7:12 PM link

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