Community Corner

Yaccarino Voices Disapproval Over Early Release Bill

Bill passes in House 90-56.

State Representative Yaccarino (R-North Haven) voiced disapproval yesterday for a bill that would allow inmates convicted of certain non-capital crimes to earn credits for early release through good behavior.

Known as "risk reduction credits," the program was introduced by Governor Malloy as one of several bills intended to facilitate aspects of the biennial budget. Under its provisions, up to five days per month can be removed from sentences.

The bill is retroactive to 2006 for all CT inmates except those convicted of murder, felony murder, arson murder, capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and home invasion.

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Republicans, however, have been critical that several serious crimes still make the cut for eligibility.

“It’s a sad day in Connecticut when the majority party and our Governor put convicted criminals ahead of law-abiding citizens," said Yaccarino. “Changing this law without making sure the most violent offenders remain behind bars does not protect our state. This bill—retroactive to 2006—allows arsonists, kidnappers and child molesters to be released from prison before serving the full sentence handed down by our court system.”

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Yaccarino continued: "Too often the legislature forgets crime victims and their families. Allowing violent criminals to get out early just because they followed the rules in prison sets the wrong tone.  If they had followed society’s rules they would not be in prison in the first place. I voted against this legislation because it weakens our judicial system and our state.”

But Democrats contend that the bill is not only similar to those passed in at least 45 other states, but will save the State tens of millions of dollars per year.

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) explained that the system provides inmates with a strong incentive to enter rehabilitation classes, which in turn may decrease the likelihood of repeat offences following release.

"It's an effort to make our society safer," Said Sharkey. "It doesn't mean we're soft on crime, it means we're smart on crime."

The measure passed in the House 90-56 in a nearly straight party split, although three Democrats crossed the aisle to join Republicans in opposition.

Governor Malloy is expected to sign the bill into law shortly.


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