State Rep. Bill Simanski (R- 62nd) recently co-sponsored legislation aimed to make changes to the Risk Reduction Credit Program, the controversial legislation adopted by legislative Democrats in 2011 that gives early release credits to inmates convicted of violent crimes.
H.B. 5317, An Act Eliminating Risk Reduction Credits for Violent Criminals, would prohibit anyone sentenced for a violent crime from either earning or retaining the early release credits they’ve accumulated.
Current law allows an inmate convicted of serious crime such as sexual assault or arson to receive credits towards eliminating as many as five days a month from his or her sentence for good behavior and active participation in rehabilitation programs.
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In early February, Judiciary Committee members voted to create legislation regarding an inmate’s eligibility for the program. The governor’s office has said it is willing to clarify the law so violent offenders would no longer earn early release credits.
This legislation coincides with another proposal submitted by Rep. Simanski in early January which aims to prevent the release of sex offenders to the general public who are still deemed to be a threat to society. Rep. Simanski’s proposal H.B. 5657, An Act Concerning Inpatient Commitment of Sex Offenders Who Are a High Risk for Reoffending, would force a convicted sex offender who is at high risk of reoffending to be civilly committed to a secure inpatient mental health facility until he or she is able to return to society and not reoffend sexually.
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“There has been a lot of discussion within the legislature about the possible steps we can take to help prevent violence, yet we currently have laws on the books that allow those convicted of violent crimes, including sex offenders, to be released before they serve their full sentence,” said Rep. Simanski. “When it comes to improving public safety and doing all we can as legislators to protect Connecticut citizens, passing legislation like this is, to me, is common sense.”
Constituents who want their voices heard on the issue should email their ideas and comments to at Bill.Simanski@housegop.ct.gov.
