Mo. lawmakers back corrections overhaul plans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Both the Missouri House and Senate have passed bills that could shorten the sentences of some criminals who are placed on probation or parole.

The House approved the legislation in a 149-0 vote Wednesday. The Senate passed its own similar version of the bill in a 30-1 vote moments later.

Under the measures, non-violent parolees or probationers would receive 30 days of credit toward their sentence for every month they go without a violation.

The bills would also allow for 120-day "shock" jail sentences for some felons who violate their probation or parole for the first time and shorter jail sentences for subsequent violations.

Supporters of the bills say the changes will help the state save money and will reduce the number of people who commit crimes after they're released.

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Corrections overhaul bills are SB699 and HB1525

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov