Assembly Passes Prison Reform Legislation

By Published Sep 1, 2009 06:30 am Updated Sep 1, 2009 05:02 am

Sacramento, CA — By a 41-35 margin the Assembly Monday passed its version of an early prisoner release and money saving program.

The Senate passed its plan to cut $1.2 billion from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation a week ago Thursday.

Differences in the two plans; the Senate version cuts approximately $220 million more than the Assembly’s. The Senate plan would increase from $400 to $2,500 the basis for a charge of felony grand theft.

Both plans call for parole officer caseload ratios to be reduced from 70-1 to 45-1. Both plans also call for inmates to earn up to an additional six weeks in sentencing credits if they complete rehabilitation, education or vocational programs.

Next up; negotiations between the Senate and the Assembly for a final package.

Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com