Batt’s Prison Bills Go Before Committee

The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee agreed Monday to hear debate on four of Gov. Phil Batt’s prison reform bills.

The first measure would allow the Commission for Pardons and Parole to decide how much extra time an offender who violates parole must serve. Now, by law, the entire sentence kicks back in. The legislation would give the commission more leeway to release offenders who don’t have homes and jobs waiting.

Another bill would increase the definition of grand theft from any theft over $300, to any theft over $1,000.

The committee also will hear testimony on increasing the dollar amount for felony charges of writing bad checks. Now, checks of any dollar amount can bring felony charges, though most felony charges involve checks of more than $50.

The fourth bill would drop felony penalties for third-time offenders who drive without a valid license; adjust other penalties and allow community service in lieu of jail time in some driving without privileges cases.