Representative Dianne Hart (D- Tampa) today refiled a bill to reform Florida’s outdated criminal justice system. HB 115 – Criminal Rehabilitation allows for first time non-violent offenders earn gain time credits and reduce their mandatory time served from 85% to 65% through their successful completion of academic and self-bettering courses while incarcerated. Currently, our correctional facilities are overcrowded with inmates, causing unsafe environments for our officers and staff. Some facilities are understaffed to dangerous levels, leaving one officer to supervise more than 100 inmates at a time.
Representative Dianne Hart (D- Tampa) issued the following statement:
“I sincerely believe that by providing inmates with educational opportunities we will be able to tackle many issues that are plaguing our correctional system. This bill was drafted with the input of those formerly and currently incarcerated and their families. This bill would not only provide an incentive for inmates to gain education while incarcerated, but will reduce our prison population substantially thus making our correctional facilities safer for both officers and inmates. Over the years I have for worked with the Department of Corrections and other state agencies to create a product that prioritizes public safety and justice, it is my hope that my colleagues in the Legislature will join me in advocating for better conditions not only for those incarcerated but for our officers as well.”
