HI HB152

Authorizes the Director of Public Safety to release committed misdemeanor offenders early if they have served at least two-thirds of their court-imposed sentence and show no propensity to commit further crimes.

Aims to reduce prison overcrowding and relieve pressure on the State's correctional budgets by providing an additional cost-management tool.

Based on research findings that early release programs in other states had no adverse impact on overall recidivism rates.

Applies only to misdemeanor offenses, not felonies, and requires the director's reasonable belief that the person will not commit further crimes.

Takes effect July 1, 2011, with a sunset provision that repeals this section on June 30, 2014.