STATEHOUSE (March 4, 2010) - State Sen. John Waterman’s bill designed to ease the burden on overcrowded prisons won final approval from Senate lawmakers today by a vote of 48-0.

Senate Bill 415 - which offers long term, rehabilitated non-violent offenders an earlier opportunity for parole - will now be sent to the governor’s desk, where it could be signed into law.

“Not only could this measure help relieve Indiana’s overpopulated prisons, but it would also encourage non-violent offenders to prove they’ve learned their lesson and a chance to start over,” Waterman said. “Lawmakers did the right thing by supporting this common-sense proposal.”

Waterman said Indiana’s Parole Board currently reviews the sentences of non-violent offenders who have been incarcerated for 25 consecutive years. Under SB 415, offenders accused of non-violent crimes could be eligible for parole after 21 years if they meet stringent criteria:

• The offender must obtain four years of credit time. Credit options include earning an associate or bachelor’s degree or participating in various community transition programs offered throughout the state;
• The offender is required to serve 21 consecutive years;
• A Parole Board must determine the offender has been rehabilitated; and
• A Parole Board must be convinced the offender has suitable plans warranting the discharge.

“This bill aids with inmate rehabilitation while reducing Indiana’s prison population,” Waterman said. “Non-violent felons can either serve 25 years and be eligible for parole or be eligible for parole after serving 21 years by earning a degree and making suitable plans for a life outside of prison walls.”

As the former sheriff of Sullivan County, Waterman said he understands many jails and prisons are at full capacity, creating heavy burdens on taxpayers.

“It takes nearly $20,000 per year to keep someone in jail,” Waterman said. “If we successfully rehabilitate some of the 7,500 non-violent offenders in Indiana who are serving sentences longer than 20 years, we can get them out of the system and stop wasting Hoosier tax dollars to keep them locked up.”

According to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), 15 adult education programs were offered at various state facilities last year. As of July 2009, more than 3,300 offenders were enrolled in college courses.

“Studies have proven that the odds of an ex-offender staying out of jail increases if they have a job, and getting an education increases their chances of finding a job,” Waterman said.

Waterman serves Senate District 39, which includes Clay, Greene, Knox, Daviess, Owen, Sullivan and Vigo Counties.