11-26-2018, 04:05 PM
Anyway, I don't often agree with Cotton, but I completely understand his concerns on this aspect of the bill:
Cotton’s office asked the DOJ whether the bill would extend eligibility for early release credits to individuals convicted of four crimes: failure to register as a sex offender, importing aliens for prostitution, female genital mutilation and first-time assault with intent to commit rape or sexual abuse.
The bill currently excludes those convicted of assault with intent to commit rape or sexual abuse from earning the time credits, but only if they’ve served a year or more in prison for a previous conviction.
So, if such offenders have never served a full year previously, they have the ability to earn early release (the decision is up to the warden and other officials).
I don't think child molesters and violent sex offenders should be eligible for early release under any circumstances either.
It's possible that the bill's Republican backers can add an amendment to include those such crimes to the 'exclusions list'. However, as I understand it, the Republican bill supporters worry that amending the current bill will delay its passage and open the bill up to more debate/scrutiny.
Story: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/2...mp-1015149
Cotton’s office asked the DOJ whether the bill would extend eligibility for early release credits to individuals convicted of four crimes: failure to register as a sex offender, importing aliens for prostitution, female genital mutilation and first-time assault with intent to commit rape or sexual abuse.
The bill currently excludes those convicted of assault with intent to commit rape or sexual abuse from earning the time credits, but only if they’ve served a year or more in prison for a previous conviction.
So, if such offenders have never served a full year previously, they have the ability to earn early release (the decision is up to the warden and other officials).
I don't think child molesters and violent sex offenders should be eligible for early release under any circumstances either.
It's possible that the bill's Republican backers can add an amendment to include those such crimes to the 'exclusions list'. However, as I understand it, the Republican bill supporters worry that amending the current bill will delay its passage and open the bill up to more debate/scrutiny.
Story: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/2...mp-1015149