Governor Tomblin’s prison reform bill survived a challenge in the House of Delegates Thursday and has moved to passage stage.
House Minority Leader Tim Armstead (R-Kanawha) failed in his attempt to change key aspects of the bill, including one provision that allows a judge to put non-violent offenders on supervised release six months before the end of their sentence.
Armstead’s primary amendment, which failed 37-61, would have taken out the early release provision.
“There’s simply no justification for letting people out six months early,” Armstead said. “I’ve yet to hear how releasing an inmate early reduces recidivism.”
The Governor’s bill is based on a study aimed at reducing the overcrowding problem in regional and state jails by reducing recidivism through substance abuse programs and supervision when an inmate is released. Non-violent offenders could be released under supervision by order of a judge six months early.
However, Delegate Kevin Craig (D-Cabell) argued to keep the bill the way it’s crafted.
“What we are trying to accomplish with this bill is a reduction of recidivism and the devastating impact that’s having on our state,” Craig said.
West Virginia is faced with the possibility of building a new prison at a cost of $250 million to relieve overcrowding. Backers of the bill say the changes in the state’s correction system could save about $100 million dollars.