Zupkus Calls for Changes to Early Release Program

HARTFORD — Legislation submitted by state Rep. Lezlye Zupkus and other Republican lawmakers has prompted the Judiciary Committee to draft new eligibility requirements for the controversial program that gives early release credits to inmates convicted of violent crimes.

Zupkus introduced H.B. 5317, An Act Eliminating Risk Reduction Credits for Violent Criminals, to prohibit anyone sentenced for a violent crime from either earning or retaining the early release credits they’ve accumulated since the program was adopted by legislative Democrats in 2011.

The program allows an inmate to cut as many as five days a month from his or her sentence for good behavior behind bars and participation in rehabilitation programs. Current law allows people convicted of serious crimes such as sexual assault or arson to receive credits.

“The fact that a person convicted of a truly awful crime such as assaulting a pregnant woman, or even sexually molesting a child, can qualify for these early release credits is simply unacceptable,” said Zupkus, a member of the legislature’s Public Safety Committee. “If we can’t disqualify more of these types of crimes, then we really need to eliminate the program altogether.”

Judiciary Committee members on Feb. 13 voted to create legislation regarding an inmate’s eligibility for the program, a small step Zupkus said is a move in the right direction.

According to news reports this week, the governor’s office has said it is willing to clarify the law so violent offenders will not earn early release credits.

Zupkus said she looks forward to providing input via testimony as Judiciary Committee members work on the issue in the coming weeks.

Constituents who want their voices heard on the issue should email their ideas and comments to Zupkus at Lezlye.Zupkus@housegop.ct.gov.