Indiana Senate Bill SR0006

Indiana 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

Urging the Legislative Council to assign the topic of the effectiveness of awarding time off of sentences for individuals serving sentences at the Indiana DOC participating in the CPCT Program.

Impact

The resolution is a crucial step toward evaluating the CPCT Program's efficacy, as the Indiana General Assembly previously enacted House Enrolled Act 1120 in 2020. This legislation mandated the DOC to report on the outcomes of the CPCT Program, which saw significant participation from the incarcerated population. With over 18,000 individuals involved, the findings from this report are vital for understanding how successful the program has been in achieving its goals, particularly in lowering recidivism rates.

Summary

Senate Resolution 0006 urges the Indiana Legislative Council to assign the topic of the effectiveness of awarding time off of sentences to a study committee. This resolution specifically addresses individuals serving sentences at the Indiana Department of Corrections (DOC) who are participating in the Case Plan Credit Time (CPCT) Program. This program was established with the intent to incentivize inmates to engage in programming and activities aimed at reducing recidivism rates, thereby promoting better reintegration into society upon their release.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions behind the CPCT Program, the report submitted to the Legislative Council indicated that the program's effects had yet to be fully realized, making further study necessary. This raises questions about the mechanisms in place for supporting inmates during their incarceration and ensuring that they are adequately prepared for life after prison. It highlights the broader discourse on criminal justice reform in Indiana, with advocates calling for more substantial measures to facilitate successful reintegration and reduce repeat offenses.