Freeze of tougher law likely to delay inmate boom

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A freeze in money for a tougher new law against thieves and drug dealers will likely save taxpayers millions, forestall construction of one new prison, and hold off an expected surge of inmates in the state’s prison system.

The Oregonian reports that because lawmakers froze most of the tougher provisions in voter-approved Measure 57 an expected inmate boom is delayed by about four years.

Legislators cut nearly one-third of the $74 million bill. The measure targeted career property felons and drug dealers.

But prosecutors say that lawmakers overreacted at cost estimates and are hindering their efforts to put criminals behind bars.

Their view is backed by a recent report by state forecasters, who said that even if the law would have been left alone, the expected increase in prison populations would have been smaller than once thought.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com