LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and Attorney General Jon Bruning will propose a prison reform measure that would eliminate automatic "good time" credit for violent offenders.
The Republican governor and attorney general said Monday they will submit "earned time" legislation for lawmakers this year. The measure would apply to inmates convicted of murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, or one of at least seven other major crimes.
The "earned time" bill would require violent inmates to maintain good behavior while incarcerated and participate in rehabilitation programs. It was partly inspired by the case of Nikko Jenkins, who is accused of four Omaha-area murders after his release from prison.
The state's "good time" system generally gives inmate one day of credit for every day served.
Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh of Omaha will sponsor the proposal.
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