Resurrection of Criminal Sentencing Reform

By: Christopher Simpkins
BleekeDillonCrandall

Eric Bradner of the Evansville Courier & Press ran a detailed story this morning regarding two of Indiana’s most well-respected state senators, Sen. Richard Bray (Martinsville) and Sen. Brent Steele (Bedford), who are attempting to resurrect the failed criminal sentencing reform effort of last session.

Among other things, criminal sentencing reform has been a top priority for Governor Daniels in his last term in office. However, as of last session, both his and other legislators’ attempts at passing such sweeping reform ended in failure at the Statehouse. Not to be deterred, Eric Bradner confirms that Sen. Bray and Sen. Steele, both of whom head out-of-session study committees, will resurrect the effort in the upcoming legislative session.

The case for reform should again be compelling due to the immense overcrowding in Indiana prisons. Without meaningful reform, the State faces a choice of either building new prisons, which is tough to build into any budget, let alone a budget during an economic recession, or releasing convicted inmates earlier than scheduled. Neither option seems appetizing for legislators looking at re-election.

We will be sure to keep an eye on the reform efforts in the upcoming session. Passing any piece of legislation is a complicated process, especially sweeping reforms of the criminal code.