Controversy clouds Maryland's Justice Reinvestment Act
Legislation aimed at reducing prison population
I-Team Reporter
Controversy clouds landmark legislation designed to overhaul the criminal justice system. Changes to the Justice Reinvestment Act actually gut the intent of the bill and dramatically slash savings.
Controversy clouds landmark legislation designed to overhaul the criminal justice system.Download the WBAL appChanges to the Justice Reinvestment Act actually gut the intent of the bill and dramatically slash savings.The goal is to reduce the prison population. The legislation sends those charged with drug possession to treatment rather than jail.It eliminates disparities in penalties for crack and powdered cocaine. It makes it easier to expunge drug charges. It gives those serving a minimum maximum drug sentence a chance to modify the penalty and drug offenders get good time credit."The ideas in this bill are excellent," said Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County.But changes in other provisions of the 84-page bill are coming under fire from reform advocates, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Legislative Black Caucus."We decided as a caucus to go through it page by page to determine those things that we felt uncomfortable with," said Sen. Joanne Benson, D-Prince George's County.Provisions limiting punishments for technical violations for parole are being struck. Amendments give judges more discretion in granting parole and sentencing parole violators. The original bill sent everyone from murders, rapists and sex offenders back to jail for only 15 days.Zirkin said his committee voted unanimously not to tie the judge's hand or jeopardize public safety."We said it would only be for low-risk offenders, only for low-risk offenders right? I don't think anybody wants to put a human trafficker out on the street right? That's insane," Zirkin said.But the amendments drastically reduce savings. An analysis by the Pew Charitable Trust determined the changes slash $200 million of savings projected over 10 years. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee chair disputes the figure."It's bogus," Zirkin said.Senate President Mike Miller said he expects passage and for the bill to change again when the house and Senate meet in a conference committee to iron out differences in each chambers version of the legislation."We would like to lower the prison population, but make certain we are doing it the right way. I think there could be additional amendments," Miller said.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. —
Controversy clouds landmark legislation designed to overhaul the criminal justice system.
Download the WBAL app
Negotiators butt heads over Justice Reinvestment Act
Justice Reinvestment Act receives bipartisan support
Changes to the Justice Reinvestment Act actually gut the intent of the bill and dramatically slash savings.
The goal is to reduce the prison population. The legislation sends those charged with drug possession to treatment rather than jail.
It eliminates disparities in penalties for crack and powdered cocaine. It makes it easier to expunge drug charges. It gives those serving a minimum maximum drug sentence a chance to modify the penalty and drug offenders get good time credit.
"The ideas in this bill are excellent," said Sen. Bobby Zirkin, D-Baltimore County.
But changes in other provisions of the 84-page bill are coming under fire from reform advocates, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Legislative Black Caucus.
"We decided as a caucus to go through it page by page to determine those things that we felt uncomfortable with," said Sen. Joanne Benson, D-Prince George's County.
Provisions limiting punishments for technical violations for parole are being struck. Amendments give judges more discretion in granting parole and sentencing parole violators. The original bill sent everyone from murders, rapists and sex offenders back to jail for only 15 days.
Zirkin said his committee voted unanimously not to tie the judge's hand or jeopardize public safety.
"We said it would only be for low-risk offenders, only for low-risk offenders right? I don't think anybody wants to put a human trafficker out on the street right? That's insane," Zirkin said.
But the amendments drastically reduce savings. An analysis by the Pew Charitable Trust determined the changes slash $200 million of savings projected over 10 years. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee chair disputes the figure.
"It's bogus," Zirkin said.
Senate President Mike Miller said he expects passage and for the bill to change again when the house and Senate meet in a conference committee to iron out differences in each chambers version of the legislation.
"We would like to lower the prison population, but make certain we are doing it the right way. I think there could be additional amendments," Miller said.