Many people convicted of crimes in Tennessee may soon have no chance at early release from prison. A bill that would eliminate parole for some crimes is one step closer to becoming law.
The so-called “truth in sentencing” bill (HB2656 / SB2248) would require people to serve their entire sentence for a long list of crimes — from homicide and aggravated assault to some cases of drug dealing. They would have no chance at parole or time off their sentence for good behavior.
Supporters of the legislation say it would make the sentencing process more straightforward. They hope more definite prison terms would also give victims closure, instead of forcing them to guess when someone who harmed them might be released.
But others worry the bill could backfire. At a meeting Wednesday of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Andrew Brashier of the criminal justice reform organization Prison Fellowship urged lawmakers not to pass the bill. He said early release motivates people in prison to take advantage of opportunities for rehabilitation, likes classes and vocational training.
“Earned time credits promote prison environments where men and women are putting in work toward becoming good neighbors and responsible citizens,” Brashier said. “After all, 95% of prisoners are going to return some day to our communities, even if we require 100% of their sentence to be served.”
The bill has widespread Republican support in the General Assembly, with the speakers of the House and Senate signed on as primary sponsors.
“It’s embarrassing how quickly many of these folks are released from a sentence that they were ordered to serve by an elected judge, in many cases having been convicted by a jury of their peers in their communities,” said House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland. “It’s not fair to the defendant. It’s not fair to the victim. It’s not fair to anybody.”
Meanwhile, Democrats have proposed legislation that would make it easier for some people to get out of prison early.
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