Post by pavel on May 5, 2016 3:48:24 GMT -6
OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill moving through the Oklahoma Legislature could allow many non-violent misdemeanor offenders to avoid a lengthy stay in county jail.
But it comes with a catch: Inmates would have to volunteer their work for free.
The program could save counties money, but some inmate advocates cite a risk that it could lead to exploitation of inmates with loose oversight at county levels.
House Bill 3039, also known as the Debt to Society Act of 2016, has passed both the House and Senate with near-unanimous support. It only needs to clear one hurdle — the House approving a Senate amendment — before it goes to Gov. Mary Fallin.
Read more: www.enidnews.com/news/state/proposal-for-inmates-swap-free-work-for-less-jail-time/article_cf2f8088-e08a-52c9-a63f-be6163d92fe2.html
But it comes with a catch: Inmates would have to volunteer their work for free.
The program could save counties money, but some inmate advocates cite a risk that it could lead to exploitation of inmates with loose oversight at county levels.
House Bill 3039, also known as the Debt to Society Act of 2016, has passed both the House and Senate with near-unanimous support. It only needs to clear one hurdle — the House approving a Senate amendment — before it goes to Gov. Mary Fallin.
Read more: www.enidnews.com/news/state/proposal-for-inmates-swap-free-work-for-less-jail-time/article_cf2f8088-e08a-52c9-a63f-be6163d92fe2.html