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| Wash. Gov. Signs Bill Releasing Some Prison Inmates Early |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 05/21/2003 |
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Some prison inmates convicted of lesser crimes will be released early under a new law signed yesterday by Washington Gov. Gary Locke. Senate Bill 5990 is a scaled-down version of Locke's own proposal to save nearly $100 million by cutting sentences for some nonviolent offenders and eliminating supervision for some released inmates. As revised by lawmakers, the bill would save about $50 million and toughen some penalties for the most violent offenders. 'It turned out to be good policy while saving some money,' said state Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, the bill's original sponsor. Some of the savings were used to avert cuts to various crime-prevention programs. 'That money is better spent there than keeping nonviolent drug offenders for another three months.' Some offenders, mostly those convicted of nonviolent drug and property crimes, could lop off 50 percent of their sentences for good behavior, up from 33 percent, effectively shortening their sentences. Meanwhile, those convicted of more serious crimes could earn only a 10 percent 'good behavior' reduction on their sentences - down from 15 percent under current law. More than 600 inmates would be released early. |
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