PROVIDENCE, R.I.—House lawmakers struggling with a financial crisis have voted to save money by letting prisoners leave state prison sooner if they behave and work.
The bill passed Thursday evening 56-9. The proposal must still be approved by the state Senate before it could become law.
Rhode Island is facing a massive budget deficit estimated at around $560 million. Gov. Don Carcieri, a Republican, and Democratic lawmakers had proposed cutting prison costs by allowing prisoners more time off their sentences for good behavior, working and getting treatment. More... Prisoner Pen Pals