Prisoners in Colorado may soon be able to use education as a pathway to shorter sentences.
A new bill at the State Capitol would allow inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes to earn time off for each degree or certification they receive while incarcerated. It was approved by the Judiciary Committee last week and is awaiting a preliminary vote in the House.
Jason Gonzales, the higher education and legislative matters reporter for Chalkbeat Colorado, told KUNC the bill would allow inmates to reduce their sentences by up to 6 months for a short-term credential; that goes up to a year for prisoners who earn a bachelor's or master's degree.
"There is some conversation about extending that time, and really making it so there's more incentive," Gonzalez said.
is based on national research about incarceration. The data shows incarcerated students who earn a degree are less likely to re-offend.
Gonzalez said the bill has wide bipartisan support and that reducing recidivism rates will save the state money.
To pass, the bill still has to clear the state House and Senate, then it will go to Governor Jared Polis for a signature.
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