HI HCR126

Request the Department of Public Safety to study the feasibility of establishing an earned-time credit program for Hawaii's non-violent and low-level drug offenders both in-state and on the mainland.

Earned-time credits would reward inmates for participating in education, substance abuse treatment, vocational training, and other rehabilitative programs to shorten their prison sentences.

Study should examine earned-time credit programs established in other jurisdictions, with findings and recommendations due to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 Regular Session convenes.

Program aims to reduce Hawaii's prison population, bring inmates incarcerated on the mainland back home, save taxpayer money, and reinvest corrections dollars into community programs.

Transmitted to the Governor, Director of Public Safety, and Chairperson of Hawaii Paroling Authority.