SPONSOR: Gragg
Currently, offenders in the Department of Corrections may earn time credited off the end of their sentences for serving their sentences in an orderly and peaceable manner and taking advantage of the available rehabilitation programs.
This bill requires the Director of the Department to issue a policy for good time credit and, separately, earned time credit.
Any major conduct violation of institutional rules, violation of law, parole revocation, or the accumulation of six or more minor conduct violations in a calendar year will result in the loss of all prior credit earned by the offender.
Good time credit will be awarded to offenders who serve their sentences in a peaceable manner and display exemplary compliance with institutional disciplinary regulations. An offender can receive up to 54 days of good time credit toward the service of a sentence per year.
Earned time credit will be awarded to offenders who participate in qualifying rehabilitation programs and productive activities. For every 30 days of successful participation in rehabilitative programs or productive activities during an offender's term of imprisonment, the offender will earn 10 days of credit toward a sentence. The bill specifies types of programs or activities for which credit can be earned. The Department will specify in its policies which programs will qualify for earned time credit, the criteria for awarding credit, and the criteria for determining completion of the programs.
Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible offenders may petition the Department to receive earned time credit for any qualifying programs or activities completed after January 1, 2010. The Department will notify the incarcerated population of the petition process through posted signage, electronic notification, and through staff in all facilities and will provide petition forms to offenders.
Good time credit and earned time credit are not available to offenders sentenced to death or sentenced to life without probation or parole, or offenders serving a sentence of less than one year. Nothing in this bill should be construed to remove the parole board's discretion in awarding good time credit or earned time credit.
The Department will prepare and submit an annual report to the General Assembly on good time credit and earned time credit.
This bill is similar to HB 1360 (2025).
Statutes affected: