By: Associated Press//May 5, 2011//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State Republican legislative leaders say a bill that would repeal early release for criminal offenders could move to the Assembly floor by mid-May.
The program allows some non-violent criminals to be released from prison earlier in their sentence for good behavior. Since April 2009, 545 inmates have been released as part of the program.
Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder of Abbotsford, who authored the repeal bill, said there’s no evidence the program saved the state money and that it also endangers the public.
A version of the repeal was originally included in Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget. Suder said the bill has been drafted separately to allow more public feedback while speeding up passage.
The bill has a public hearing before the Assembly Criminal Justice and Corrections committee Thursday.