Senate approves bill granting work‑time credit for probationers and parolees

Senate Bill 217, which would allow probationers and parolees to receive work‑time credit for documented employment, passed the committee on second reading after an amendment and recorded votes.

The nut graf: supporters described the bill as an incentive to encourage employment among people under community supervision, saying work fosters stability and reduces recidivism. The bill requires documentation of eligible employment and preserves exceptions for certain categories (for example, those under lifetime supervision or subject to other statutory exclusions).

Sponsor Senator Zolnikov introduced the bill and explained that a probationer who completes a 40‑hour workweek could receive one day of credit off supervision time, contingent on approval by the supervising officer and supporting documentation. He said the probation officer’s discretion is necessary because officers know the individual circumstances and risks. During the committee process, the sponsor moved an amendment striking a probation‑exclusive phrase so the credit would not be limited only to probationers; the amendment was adopted.

The clerk recorded votes showing the amendment passed and the committee later recorded a final recommendation to pass with the tally recorded as 47 ayes and 3 nays on one recorded count and later 9–1 on another voice count in the transcript sequence during the committee consideration; the committee report lists SB 217 as passed on second reading.

If enacted, the law would permit supervised persons to shorten their supervision term through verified employment, subject to exclusions and supervisory approval. Supporters called employment “one of the best ways to get people back in the workforce” and recommended the bill do pass.

Votes recorded: amendment and final committee recommendation recorded in transcript; committee report lists SB 217 as passed on second reading.