The debate over Little Canada has reached the State Capitol, creating policy questions for democrats look to make ‘big change’ to corrections in residents.
Under a new DFL bill, Minnesota inmates could be released after serving just half of their prison sentences if they participate in certain programming.
Jamie Becker-Finn, DFL-Roseville, the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (MRRA) seeks to incentivize participation in rehabilitation programming by offering early release credits.
“If we look at recidivism rates, we know that the current system isn’t working,” Becker-Finn said during a House Public Safety Committee meeting last week, calling the bill a “big change” to the corrections system.
Schnell, a Walz appointee who supports the bill, explained the four components of the legislation: “What this bill would do is really recognize that each individual person might need something different so that they can thrive when they come back to our communities,” Becker-Finn said.
Under the current system, people serve two-thirds of their sentence in prison and the remaining third on supervised release.
The MRRA could let prisoners out as early as the 50% mark as long as the individualized rehabilitation plan is followed, Schnell said.
The legislation directs the commissioner to develop a policy on “earned incentive release” in consultation with local boards and community groups.
As the measure advances, residents of Little Canada can follow amendments and contact Tou Xiong regarding the final language.
Article Source: Alpha News: “Democrats look to make ‘big change’ to corrections in Minnesota”
