Saturday, October 22, 2011

Smart Legislators File Re-entry Bill in Florida

Senator Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff (S 448) and Representatives Porth and Pafford filed a bill (HB 177) that directs the Department of Corrections to develop and administer a reentry program for nonviolent offenders. The program, which would be designed to reduce recidivism and cut costs and include mandatory substance abuse and educational assessments, substance abuse treatment, educational opportunities and other rehabilitative programming. See http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=47273&SessionId=70 for more information.

Florida has some of the strongest sentencing laws in the country (many of which I support). While state legislators have long demonstrated an eagerness to reduce crime and protect the public, they haven’t also done so in effective ways. Tough is good in many ways, but Smart is MUCH better. This bill is a big step forward, even if many don’t understand or can’t appreciate its virtues (and arguably are too busy trying to look “tough on crime” to do so). Kudos to these courageous legislators for their forward thinking!

Stephen K. Talpins
NPAMC Chairman and CEO