Indiana House Bill HB1098

Indiana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Elimination of credit time.

Impact

If enacted, HB1098 would significantly alter the landscape of criminal sentencing in Indiana. By removing the possibility of good time credit for a specific group of offenders, the bill effectively increases the amount of time these individuals would serve in prison. Proponents argue that this is necessary to enhance public safety and to ensure that violent offenders are held accountable for their actions. However, critics warn that this could lead to overcrowding in prisons and may not effectively deter violent crime.

Summary

House Bill 1098 proposes the elimination of good time credit for habitual violent offenders in the state of Indiana. Under this bill, individuals identified as habitual violent offenders—defined as those convicted of two or more violent crimes—would not be eligible to earn good time credit, which typically allows inmates to reduce their sentence length for good behavior. This change aims to strengthen the penalties for violent offenders and ensure that their time served reflects the severity of their crimes.

Contention

The bill has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the justice system. Advocates for HB1098 claim that habitual violent offenders have repeatedly demonstrated a disregard for the law, and stricter measures are needed to protect society. On the other hand, opponents argue that denying good time credit could undermine rehabilitation efforts and lead to a punitive system that fails to consider the potential for reform. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term consequences of increased incarceration rates on both individuals and the state's correctional resources.