Arizona
FAMM Praises Passing of Earned Time Credit Increase in Arizona (HB 2808)
Contact:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org
FAMM Praises Passing of Earned Time Credit Increase in Arizona (HB 2808)
PHOENIX – FAMM applauds the passing of the earned release credit increase bill (HB 2808) by the Arizona House of Representatives. This bill would increase the amount of time (up to 30% off their original sentences) some people in Arizona’s state prisons can earn off their sentences, if those people complete certain programs. Arizona Rep. Walter Blackman (R-LD6) authored the bill.
“This is a great first step,” said Molly Gill, FAMM’s vice president of policy. “Rehabilitation is difficult work, and those who seek out that difficult work should be rewarded for that choice. We are always happy to see more ways for families to be reunited sooner.”
The bill would allow prisoners eligible for earned time credit to receive 15% off their sentences (1 day for every 6 days served) and potentially receive an additional 15 percent off their sentences (an extra 1.5 days for every 6 days served) if certain criteria are met, including completing a drug treatment, other self-improvement or Department of Corrections-approved work program.
For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies in six states and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.
###
FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.