MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont lawmakers are considering steps to make it easier for prison inmates to reduce the length of their sentences through good behavior or acts of heroism.
The Burlington Free Press reports the previous “good time” system was repealed in 2005 because it was thought to be too complex.
Corrections Commissioner Mike Touchette says Vermont is one of a handful of states that lacks a good time program.
Currently only prison work-camp inmates can earn shorter sentences.
The Legislature is considering a number of proposals. One would allow inmates and offenders on furlough to earn a five-day sentence reduction for every month without a major discipline violation.
Touchette says providing incentives for good behavior and rewarding that good behavior is “much more effective” than pure punishment.
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Information from: The Burlington Free Press, http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com
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