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Attorney general’s office backs 'truth in sentencing' bill; researcher warns mandatory minimums have costs and limited crime effect
Summary
The attorney general’s office told the Senate Judiciary Committee that Senate Bill 2128 would increase transparency and set minimum percentages of sentences to be served in secure custody; a criminal-justice researcher said studies show mandatory minimums do not reliably reduce crime and can raise costs and prison safety risks.
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard detailed testimony on Senate Bill 2128, a comprehensive proposal the attorney general’s office described as a “truth in sentencing” package covering work‑release eligibility, definitions for transitional facilities, good‑time and meritorious‑conduct reforms, and new mandatory minimum elements for some crimes.
Claire Ness, chief deputy attorney general, presented the bill’s sections and an amendment prepared by the attorney general’s office. She told the committee the bill would (1) define transitional facilities and require objective assessments before transferring prisoners to dorm‑style, community‑facing programs; (2) require quarterly reporting to the attorney general and legislative counsel about eligible offenders in release programs; (3) require that “good time” be earned by satisfactory monthly performance (capped at 15% of a sentence) rather…
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