New Florida Prison Legislation Would Shorten Time Served

Legislation filed at the capitol would reduce the minimum amount of time certain inmates are required to serve in prison before they become eligible for release.

Under House and Senate measures, first-time non-violent offenders would have the chance to receive merit-based gain time once they’ve reached 65 percent of their sentences, down from 85 percent currently.

The threshold would not change for those convicted of violent crimes.

Supporters of the legislation, including bill sponsor Dianne Hart, feel the plan will give people a better chance at success once their time in prison is finished, while also saving taxpayer money.

“We want to ensure that those incarcerated are equipped with the tools and resources they need to effectively re-enter society upon their release.”

Keith Harris with the Florida Justice League was formerly incarcerated in the state prison system.

He feels longer sentences often create more hardened inmates.

“A system that when we send people to prison, the longer they serve, the less likely they are to get out and not commit new crimes doesn’t really benefit anyone; not the taxpayers or ever the crime victims.”

The bills have yet to be scheduled for any committee hearings in the House or Senate, ahead of the 2020 legislative session which begins in January.


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