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Session: State Capitol, Room 508 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3892 Fax: (907) 465-6595 Send E-Mail Interim 716 W 4th, Suite 430 Anchorage, AK 99501-2133 Phone: (907) 258-8181 Fax: (907) 258-1648 |
For Immediate Release: March 18, 1999
Contact: Senator Dave Donley at (907) 465-3892.
Juneau -- The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1, which would require convicted imprisoned criminals to obtain a high school diploma or general education requirement before becoming eligible for "good time" sentence reductions.
"Under present law, a prisoner is entitled to a deduction of one-third of the term of imprisonment if the prisoner follows the rules of the correctional facility. This deduction is known as a "good time" credit," explained bill sponsor Senator Dave Donley (R-Midtown Anchorage).
"Senate Bill 1 adds a new requirement for those prisoners seeking to qualify for Alaska's generous good time provision-the attainment of their G.E.D.," noted Donley.
National studies show a strong correlation between illiteracy and criminal behavior. These studies have estimated that roughly two-thirds of today's inmates are functionally illiterate. Convicted criminals who can not read and write have a higher rate of recidivism.
"SB 1 will help reduce the recidivism rate among convicted criminals by encouraging them to obtain their G.E.D thereby increasing their chances of a successful integration back into our society," added Senator Donley.
Those who choose not to obtain their G.E.D. would forfeit the opportunity to be released early under Alaska's very liberal "good time" credit provision.
"SB 1 is pro-active legislation designed to reduce the recidivism rate by encouraging literacy among Alaska's imprisoned criminal offenders," added Senator Donley.
Senate Bill 1 moves to the Senate Finance committee for consideration.