A bill aimed at tamping down the rampant expansion of the state’s prison population clears the state Senate with unanimous approval. The prison overcrowding bill sailed through the Senate, but faces rougher waters in the House.
House Minority Leader Tim Armstead has already raised questions about some specifics of the legislation. There are also public discussions about whether the supervised release of inmates early from there sentence can be perceived as a position “soft on crime.”
Some Senators felt compelled to defend against that label and warn the House against tinkering with the legislation.
“As this bill continues to advance through this legislative process, any effort to amend or dilute it will have the very real and serious consequences in our effort to flatten and eventually bend the curve in the growth of our prison population,” said Fayette County Senator Bill Laird.
Those who pushed the bill say the strength of the legislation aimed at reducing recidivism as an effort to curb the population is all inclusive. Supporters say all parts of the bill are necessary to achieve the desired goal.
“I stand here after looking at our problems with prison over crowding for a number of years and say this is a step in the right direction,” offered Randolph County Senator Clark Barnes.
“The temptation may exist to posture one’s self politically by pounding on your chest an proclaiming, ‘I’m tough on crime.’” said Laird. “I feel no need to do so, but what does concern and alarm me is the fact our state prisons and regional jail system are busting at the seam.”
