Opposition to Florida Inmate Rehab Bill Fading

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Opposition to a Florida prison inmate rehabilitation bill is fading after a sponsor agreed to narrow participation in the proposed program.

A lobbyist for the Florida Sheriffs Association says it will no longer oppose the current version of the bill (SB 448). That was after the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Thursday voted to exclude habitual offenders and those with prior records of violent or sex crimes.

The legislation would shorten the sentences of low-level, non-violent prisoners who complete drug and other rehabilitation while in the reentry program.

It would be open to inmates with sentences of no more than five years who have completed at least half of their terms.

Judges would have to approve each participant.

Source: Associated Press