Post by Logan on Feb 17, 2016 2:42:59 GMT -6
While many lawmakers look for ways to stretch every dollar during a budget session, Rep. Brent Yonts (D-Greenville) announced a bill he’s filing Tuesday that would save Kentucky about $21 million by creating a gross misdemeanor offense.
By reducing flagrant nonsupport, criminal possession of a forged instrument II under $500 and forgery II under $500 all Class D felonies to gross misdemeanors, Yonts said the bill is a commonsense reform to criminal law saving correctional costs to both the state and county.
“This is a budget year. Funds are short. The governor’s budget makes significant cuts across the board, which the House is looking at very closely,” Yonts said. “The needs are high and everyone is looking for answers as to where is the additional money that is required to make the budget.”
Yonts said his bill would free up dollars badly needed by the General Fund, prosecutors and pensions. He added that despite a flat and declining crime rate in the state, Kentucky’s criminal population continues increasing.
Read more: www.state-journal.com/2016/02/16/gross-misdemeanor-offense-bill-could-save-state-21m/
By reducing flagrant nonsupport, criminal possession of a forged instrument II under $500 and forgery II under $500 all Class D felonies to gross misdemeanors, Yonts said the bill is a commonsense reform to criminal law saving correctional costs to both the state and county.
“This is a budget year. Funds are short. The governor’s budget makes significant cuts across the board, which the House is looking at very closely,” Yonts said. “The needs are high and everyone is looking for answers as to where is the additional money that is required to make the budget.”
Yonts said his bill would free up dollars badly needed by the General Fund, prosecutors and pensions. He added that despite a flat and declining crime rate in the state, Kentucky’s criminal population continues increasing.
Read more: www.state-journal.com/2016/02/16/gross-misdemeanor-offense-bill-could-save-state-21m/