Bill would alter oversight of probation and parole
Sunday, March 25, 2012
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A pioneering Department of Corrections proposal to reshape probation and parole in Washington state is likely to be passed into law.
If passed, most offenders under state supervision would be subject to shorter but more predictable jail terms for minor violations like failing a drug test. More serious violations could result in up to 30 days in jail.
Currently, violations can lead to two months in jail but often go unpunished.
The overhaul is expected to save the state as much as $15 million per year. It is in play in the ongoing state budget negotiations.
House Republicans opposed to the measure say that hardened ex-convicts shouldn't face reduced penalties for violating the terms of their parole.
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