GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Earned time for rehabilitation: U.S. states, federal, and Georgia ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-11-13 14:36:10 EST Research Date: 2026-11-11 Topic: Sentencing and release JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/earned-time-for-rehabilitation-us-states-federal-and-georgia/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- Earned-time and program-credit systems in U.S. states, the federal system and Georgia. LEGAL FACTS (241) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] New Hampshire: 90-day reduction for High School Equivalency Certificate New Hampshire's earned time credits statute (RSA 651-A:22-a) provides a one-time 90-day reduction in both the minimum and maximum sentence for successful completion of a High School Equivalency Certificate. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Section 651-A:22-a Earned Time Credits. - [confirmed] First Step Act time credit earning rate The First Step Act of 2018 provides eligible inmates the opportunity to earn 10 to 15 days of time credits for every 30 days of successful participation in Evidence Based Recidivism Reduction Programs and Productive Activities. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Justice Department Announces New Rule Implementing Federal Time Credits Program Established by the First Step Act - [reported] North Carolina Justice Reinvestment Act sponsors North Carolina's Justice Reinvestment Act was sponsored by, among others, Rep. Alice Bordsen (D-Alamance) and Rep. Earline Parmon (D-Forsyth). Tags: legal,policy,legislation Sources: Justice Reinvestment in North Carolina - [confirmed] Federal First Step Act: 5 days credit per 30 days for low-risk prisoners Under the First Step Act, a federal prisoner determined by the Bureau of Prisons to be at minimum or low risk for recidivating, who has not increased their risk over two consecutive assessments, shall earn an additional 5 days of time credits for every 30 days of successful participation in evidence-based recidivism reduction programming or productive activities. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: 18 USC 3632: Development of risk and needs assessment system - [confirmed] Oregon earned time credit cap at 20 percent of total term Oregon's statute on reduction in term of incarceration provides time credits for appropriate institutional behavior or participation in the adult basic skills development program, and caps the maximum amount of such time credits at not more than 20 percent of the total term of incarceration. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: ORS 421.121 – Reduction in term of incarceration; rules - [confirmed] Tennessee: sentence credits revocable only for Class A disciplinary offenses Tennessee Code § 41-21-236(a)(5)(A) provides that an inmate may be deprived of previously awarded sentence credits only for commission of a major infraction designated by the department as a Class A disciplinary offense, including but not limited to rape, arson, riot, escape, assault with a deadly weapon, or refusal to participate in an assignment. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,transfers Sources: Tennessee Code § 41-21-236 (2025) - Sentence reduction credits :: 2025 Tennessee Code :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia - [reported] Connecticut RREC lump-sum award cap Connecticut's Risk Reduction Earned Credit (RREC) program allows inmates earning less than five days per month to receive a lump-sum award not to exceed the statutory maximum of 120 days for a two-year period, awarded once every 24 months if they have not been disciplined and meet other criteria. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: OLR Backgrounder: Inmate Sentence Reduction Methods - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-5-100 bars pre-1984 earned-time allowances for post-1983 crimes O.C.G.A. § 42-5-100 provides that earned-time allowances the Board could have awarded to inmates, in effect on December 31, 1983, do not apply to persons who commit crimes on or after January 1, 1984 and are subsequently sentenced to the custody of the board. Date: 1984-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-100 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [confirmed] Illinois first-degree murder and terrorism convictions ineligible for sentence credit Under Illinois's sentence-credit statute, a prisoner serving a term of imprisonment for first degree murder or for the offense of terrorism shall receive no sentence credit and shall serve the entire sentence imposed by the court. Tags: legal,policy,sentencing Sources: Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes - Full Text - [reported] Massachusetts earned deductions under NCSL chart NCSL's 50-state chart lists Massachusetts's earned deductions under 127 §129C and §129D as 2½ days per month served in a prison camp for good time, plus 7.5 or 5 days per month depending on incarceration location for education, vocation, treatment, work and meritorious categories, with total credits from those categories not to exceed 15 or 10 days per month depending on incarceration location. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [reported] South Dakota discharge credits South Dakota law allows incarcerated individuals to earn up to 90 days of discharge credits for each program completion and up to 90 days for 365 hours of satisfactory work, not to exceed 180 days of discharge credits. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] New Hampshire: 120-day reduction for High School Diploma New Hampshire's earned time credits statute provides a one-time 120-day reduction in both the minimum and maximum sentence for successful completion of a High School Diploma. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Section 651-A:22-a Earned Time Credits. - [confirmed] BOP Director discretion for up to 12 months of credits At the BOP Director's discretion, up to 12 months of First Step Act time credits can be applied toward earlier placement in pre-release custody, such as Residential Reentry Centers and Home Confinement. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Justice Department Announces New Rule Implementing Federal Time Credits Program Established by the First Step Act - [confirmed] Federal First Step Act: written notice required before reducing time credits Under the First Step Act, any reduction of a federal prisoner's time credits for a rule violation must be preceded by written notice to the prisoner, is limited to time credits already earned as of the violation date, and cannot include future time credits. Tags: legal,policy Sources: 18 USC 3632: Development of risk and needs assessment system - [confirmed] Oregon time credits cannot shorten confinement below six months Oregon's statute on reduction in term of incarceration provides that time credits may not be used to shorten the term of actual prison confinement to less than six months. Tags: policy,legal Sources: ORS 421.121 – Reduction in term of incarceration; rules - [confirmed] Tennessee: credits affect parole eligibility, not sentence expiration, for post-July 2024 offenses Tennessee Code § 41-21-236(b)(3) states that for sentences of more than two years for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2024, sentence reduction credits shall affect eligibility for release on parole and shall not alter the sentence expiration date. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: Tennessee Code § 41-21-236 (2025) - Sentence reduction credits :: 2025 Tennessee Code :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia - [reported] Delaware good time for program participation Delaware law provides that 'good time' may be earned by participation in education, rehabilitation, work, or other programs designated by the Commissioner, awarded at a rate of up to 10 days per calendar month; for offenders sentenced on or after August 8, 2012, up to 60 days of additional good time may be awarded for successful completion of an approved program. Date: 2012-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Delaware Code Online - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7(b)(1) county-jail earned time up to one-half of confinement O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7(b)(1) allows a sheriff, chief jailer, warden, or other county-designated custodian of county inmates to award earned time allowances based on institutional behavior, not exceeding one-half of the period of confinement imposed, with up to four days' credit per day of work on an authorized work detail (with exceptions for certain DUI, misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature, or family-violence offenses). Tags: legal,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-4-7 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Connecticut good time under §18-98a et seq. and §18-7a NCSL's chart lists Connecticut's good time under §18-98a et seq. and §18-7a as 10 days per month for the first 5 years of sentence, then 12 days per month, with up to 5 days per month for accountability plan activity. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [confirmed] Louisiana program-credit exclusions for sex/violent offenses Under Louisiana's program-credit law, an offender is excluded from earning additional good time for certified treatment and rehabilitation program participation if the instant offense is a sex offense, or a crime of violence where the offender has more than one prior conviction of a crime of violence or a sex offense. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislature, Law [1] - [reported] Vermont reduced credit for residential substance abuse treatment In Vermont, an incarcerated individual receiving post-adjudication treatment for a substance abuse disorder in a residential setting is not eligible for the ordinary seven-day monthly reduction but earns a one-day reduction on the minimum sentence. Tags: legal,drugs,mental_health Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] New Hampshire: 180-day reduction for Associate's Degree New Hampshire's earned time credits statute provides a one-time 180-day reduction in both the minimum and maximum sentence for successful completion of an Associate's Degree. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Section 651-A:22-a Earned Time Credits. - [reported] NC risk reduction incentives authorization Under North Carolina's Justice Reinvestment Act, the Department of Correction is authorized to create risk reduction incentives consisting of treatment, education, and rehabilitative programs designed to reduce the likelihood that the prisoner who receives the incentive will reoffend; a court may include a risk reduction incentive in sentencing an eligible defendant to an active sentence, and if the defendant completes the risk reduction incentives identified by the Department, the defendant will be released on the Advanced Supervised Release date. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: House Bill 642-Fifth Edition - [confirmed] Federal First Step Act: procedure to restore lost time credits Under the First Step Act, the BOP Director must develop a procedure to restore time credits a prisoner lost due to a rule violation, based on the prisoner's individual progress after the violation. Tags: legal,policy Sources: 18 USC 3632: Development of risk and needs assessment system - [confirmed] Texas: up to 15 days good conduct time per 30 days for program participation Under Texas Government Code § 498.003(d), an inmate may accrue good conduct time, in an amount determined by the department not to exceed 15 days for each 30 days actually served, for diligent participation in an industrial or other work program or in an agricultural, educational, or vocational program provided by the department. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Texas Constitution and Statutes, GV.498 - [reported] Delaware 180-day annual good time cap Delaware law caps total 'good time' earned, including program participation credit, at no more than 180 days in any 1 year consisting of 365 days actually served, and good time credits must be applied such that the resulting release date is not prior to the effective completion date of the offender's approved program. Date: 2012-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Delaware Code Online - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-9-52(b) authorizes earned time on parole O.C.G.A. § 42-9-52(b) authorizes the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to adopt rules for granting earned time to persons while serving their sentences on parole or other conditional release, to the same extent as if serving the sentence in custody, and to withhold or forfeit such earned-time allowance. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-9-52 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Indiana earned credit under §35-50-6-3.1 and §35-50-6-3.3 NCSL's chart lists Indiana's earned credit under §35-50-6-3.1 and §35-50-6-3.3 as including up to 6 months for a GED and up to 1 year for a high school diploma, with total credits in the education/vocation/treatment/meritorious categories not to exceed the lesser of 2 years or 1/3 of sentence. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [confirmed] Louisiana 90-day degree credit Louisiana's program-credit statute allows otherwise eligible offenders who earn a bachelor's or associate's degree, or a master's degree, from a regionally accredited and department-approved educational institution while incarcerated to earn an additional 90 days of credit toward reduction of the projected good time parole supervision date for each degree. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislature, Law [1] - [reported] New Hampshire one-time 60-day reduction New Hampshire law provides a one-time 60-day sentence reduction for participation in vocational programming or other approved rehabilitative activities. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] New Hampshire: 60-day reduction for vocational program completion New Hampshire's earned time credits statute entitles a prisoner who successfully completes an approved vocational program to a one-time 60-day reduction in both the minimum and maximum sentence. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Section 651-A:22-a Earned Time Credits. - [confirmed] BOP final rule subpart structure for FSA Time Credits BOP's First Step Act time-credits final rule added a new subpart titled First Step Act Time Credits, containing sections 523.40 Purpose, 523.41 Definitions, 523.42 Earning First Step Act Time Credits, 523.43 Loss of FSA Time Credits, and 523.44 Application of FSA Time Credits. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Federal Register Vol. 87, No. 12, January 19, 2022 - [confirmed] Pennsylvania RRRI minimum is three-fourths or five-sixths of minimum sentence Pennsylvania's recidivism risk reduction incentive minimum shall be equal to three-fourths of the minimum sentence imposed when the minimum sentence is three years or less, and five-sixths of the minimum sentence if the minimum sentence is greater than three years. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Chapter 45. - Title 61 - PRISONS AND PAROLE, 00.045.; Chapter 45. - Title 61 - PRISONS AND PAROLE, view statute - [confirmed] Texas: Class I inmates earn 20 days per 30; Class II earn 10 days per 30 Under Texas Government Code § 498.003(b), an inmate accrues good conduct time of 20 days for each 30 days actually served while classified as a Class I inmate, and 10 days for each 30 days actually served while classified as a Class II inmate. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Texas Constitution and Statutes, GV.498 - [reported] D.C. educational good time credit rate Under D.C. Code § 24-429, a person who successfully participates in an academic or vocational program, including special education and GED programs, shall earn educational good time credits of no less than 3 days a month and not more than 5 days a month. Date: 1987-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: P5880.33 District of Columbia Sentence Computation - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45(h) requires drug program completion before parole consideration O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45(h) provides that an inmate whose criminal offense or history indicates alcohol or drug involvement shall not be considered for parole until the inmate has successfully completed an Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program offered by the Department of Corrections. Tags: legal,parole,drugs,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-9-45 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] New Jersey credit under §30:4-92 and §30:4-92a NCSL's chart lists New Jersey's credit under §30:4-92 and §30:4-92a as time awarded increasing with minimum and maximum sentence, plus up to 1 day for each 5 days of education or workforce skills programming. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [confirmed] Louisiana program-credit statute amendment history Louisiana's program-credit statute has been amended by acts in 1968, 1989, 1991 (twice), 1992, 1993 (three times), 1994 (twice), 2001, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012 (twice), 2013, 2017, 2021, 2024, and twice in 2026. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislature, Law [1] - [confirmed] Blackwell v. State: Sentence Reform Act of 1994 mandates LWOP for second serious violent felony The Georgia Supreme Court in Blackwell v. State stated that 'The Sentence Reform Act of 1994 added the provision currently codified as subsection (b) [of O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7], which mandates a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for a person who is convicted of a "serious violent felony" after having previously been convicted of a "serious violent felony," Ga. L. 1994, p. 1959, § 12.' Date: 2018-01-29 Tags: legal,sentencing Sources: Blackwell v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2018-01-29 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Nevada 2025 risk-and-needs credit cap Effective July 1, 2025, Nevada law allows an incarcerated individual who complies with programming and placement identified in a risk and needs assessment to receive credit against the minimum/maximum term capped at 58% of the minimum term or minimum aggregate term. Date: 2025-07-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] BOP final rule: when FSA Time Credits begin Under BOP's final rule, an eligible federal inmate begins earning FSA Time Credits after the inmate's term of imprisonment commences, defined as the date the inmate arrives or voluntarily surrenders at the designated Bureau facility where the sentence will be served. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Federal Register Vol. 87, No. 12, January 19, 2022 - [confirmed] Pennsylvania RRRI enacted August 11, 2009 as Act 33 Pennsylvania's RRRI statute, Chapter 45 of Title 61, was added August 11, 2009, P.L.147, No.33, effective in 60 days. Date: 2009-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Chapter 45. - Title 61 - PRISONS AND PAROLE, 00.045.; Chapter 45. - Title 61 - PRISONS AND PAROLE, view statute - [confirmed] South Carolina forfeiture of earned credits upon court recommendation Under South Carolina law, a prisoner shall forfeit all or part of his earned work, education, or good conduct credits in an amount to be determined by the Department of Corrections upon recommendation of the court or administrative judge. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Scdc Policy (doc.sc.gov) - [confirmed] Texas: state jail felons earn no good conduct time but may receive diligent participation credit Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.559, 'diligent participation' includes successful completion of an educational, vocational, or treatment program, progress toward completion interrupted by illness, injury, or circumstance outside the defendant's control, and active involvement in a work program. A defendant confined in a state jail felony facility does not earn good conduct time but may be awarded diligent participation credit. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Texas Constitution and Statutes, CR.42A - [reported] D.C. educational good time not repealed D.C. Code § 24-429 (educational good time), unlike the institutional good time provision of § 24-428, was not repealed on June 22, 1994 and remains in effect. Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: P5880.33 District of Columbia Sentence Computation - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45(i) requires family violence counseling before parole O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45(i) provides that an inmate who has committed an offense identified to involve family violence shall not be released on parole until the inmate has successfully completed a Family Violence Counseling Program offered by the Department of Corrections. Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-9-45 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Michigan listed N/A for good time and earned time NCSL's chart lists Michigan as N/A for both good time and earned time credit policies. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [confirmed] Louisiana baseline good time rate: 13 days per 7 Louisiana's baseline diminution-of-sentence (good time) statute provides that an offender in the custody of the department convicted of a felony, with listed exceptions, may earn diminution of sentence at the rate of 13 days for every 7 days in actual custody served on the imposed sentence. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislature, Law [2] - [confirmed] Serious violent felony sentences served in entirety O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1(c)(4) provides that a sentence for a first conviction of any serious violent felony shall be served in its entirety and shall not be reduced by parole, early release, work release, leave, or other sentence-reducing measures under Department of Corrections programs, except that during the final year of incarceration the offender is eligible to be considered for a department-administered transitional center or work release program. Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-10-6.1 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [confirmed] Blackwell v. State: legislative power to mandate punishment for second offenders The Georgia Supreme Court in Blackwell v. State stated that '[a]lthough the legislature defines crimes and sets the ranges of sentences[,] trial courts generally have the discretion to fashion sentences that fit the crimes for which the defendant is convicted, so long as the sentences fall within the statutory ranges,' and that it is 'within the power of the legislature to direct the punishment to be prescribed for second offenders and to leave no discretion to the trial judge.' Date: 2018-01-29 Tags: legal,sentencing Sources: Blackwell v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2018-01-29 (court record via CourtListener) - [confirmed] BOP final rule: retroactive credit eligibility dates A federal inmate cannot earn FSA Time Credits for programming or activities before December 21, 2018; may earn credits for participation from December 21, 2018 until January 14, 2020; and may earn credits on or after January 15, 2020 only in programs the Bureau recommended based on the inmate's individualized risk and needs assessment. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Federal Register Vol. 87, No. 12, January 19, 2022 - [confirmed] Alabama correctional incentive time rates (current statute) Alabama's correctional incentive time statute provides that a prisoner earns incentive time at the rate of thirty days for each 30 days actually served as a Class I prisoner, fifteen days for each 30 days as a Class II prisoner, and five days for each 30 days as a Class III prisoner, with no correctional incentive time accruing during Class IV classification. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Alabama Code Title 14. Criminal Correctional and Detention Facilities SECTION 14-9-41 COMPUTATION OF CORRECTIONAL INCENTIVE TIME DEDUCTIONS; REPORTING REQUIREMENTS | FindLaw - [reported] Pennsylvania RRRI signed into law September 25, 2008 RRRI was signed into law by Governor Rendell on September 25, 2008. Date: 2008-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [confirmed] California Milestone Completion Credit: 3 weeks per 3 months, max 12 weeks/year Under California's Milestone Completion Credit regulation, an incarcerated person in an approved alternative custody setting earns three weeks of credit (21 calendar days) for completion of every three months of program plan activities, up to a maximum of twelve weeks of credit in a twelve-month period. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 15, § 3043.3 - Milestone Completion Credit | State Regulations | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute - [confirmed] Texas: diligent participation credit capped at one-fifth of original sentence A time credit for diligent participation under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.559 subsections (f) or (g) may not exceed one-fifth of the amount of time the defendant is originally required to serve in a state jail felony facility, may not be awarded for any period the defendant is subject to disciplinary status, and is a privilege, not a right. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Texas Constitution and Statutes, CR.42A - [reported] Florida 60-day GED/vocational gain-time bonus Florida's gain-time statute provides that, notwithstanding monthly maximum awards of incentive gain-time, the education program manager shall recommend, and the Department of Corrections may grant, a one-time award of 60 additional days of incentive gain-time to an inmate who is otherwise eligible and successfully completes requirements for a GED or vocational certificate. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Chapter 944 Section 275 - 2025 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate - [confirmed] 1994 Sentence Reform Act bars earned time for serious violent felonies Georgia's 1994 Sentence Reform Act (Ga. L. 1994, p. 1959) declared it the General Assembly's finding that sentences ordered by courts in cases of certain serious violent felonies shall be served in their entirety and shall not be reduced by parole or by any earned time, early release, work release, or other such sentence-reducing measures administered by the Department of Corrections. Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-9-45 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Wisconsin listed N/A for good time and earned time NCSL's chart lists Wisconsin as N/A for both good time and earned time credit policies. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [confirmed] Life sentence for serious violent felony: 30-year minimum, no earned time O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1(c)(1) provides that a person sentenced to life imprisonment for a first conviction of a serious violent felony is not eligible for parole or early release until serving a minimum of 30 years, and that minimum term shall not be reduced by earned time, early release, work release, leave, or other sentence-reducing measures under Department of Corrections programs. Tags: legal,parole Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-10-6.1 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [confirmed] D.C. educational good time credits: 3-5 days per month D.C. Code provides that every person whose conduct complies with institutional rules and who demonstrates a desire for self-improvement by successfully participating in an academic or vocational program, including special education and Graduate Equivalency Diploma programs, shall earn educational good time credits of no less than 3 days a month and not more than 5 days a month. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: § 24–221.01. Educational good time. | D.C. Law Library - [confirmed] Blackwell v. State: LWOP under § 17-10-7(b)(2) ineligible for parole or earned time The Georgia Supreme Court in Blackwell v. State noted that a person sentenced under O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7(b)(2) to life without parole 'shall not be eligible for any form of pardon, parole, or early release administered by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles or for any earned time, early release, work release, leave, or any other sentence-reducing measures under programs administered by the Department of Corrections ... except as may be authorized by any existing or future provisions of the Constitution.' Date: 2018-01-29 Tags: legal,parole,sentencing Sources: Blackwell v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2018-01-29 (court record via CourtListener) - [reported] Massachusetts 80-day completion credits Massachusetts General Laws c.127 §129D provides that the commissioner may grant up to 80 days of completion credits to a prisoner serving a state prison sentence for successful completion of a designated program or activity. Tags: legal,policy Sources: General Law - Part I, Title XVIII, Chapter 127, Section 129D - [confirmed] Alabama correctional incentive time exclusions Under Alabama's correctional incentive time law, a prisoner may not receive correctional incentive time if convicted of a Class A felony, convicted of a crime causing death by deadly weapon, sentenced to life, sentenced to death, received a sentence of more than 15 years, or convicted of a sex offense involving a child. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Alabama Code Title 14. Criminal Correctional and Detention Facilities SECTION 14-9-41 COMPUTATION OF CORRECTIONAL INCENTIVE TIME DEDUCTIONS; REPORTING REQUIREMENTS | FindLaw - [reported] Pennsylvania RRRI effective November 24, 2008 RRRI became effective on November 24, 2008. Date: 2008-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [confirmed] South Carolina non-parolable offenses post-1996 capped at 6 credits/month, 72/year For South Carolina offenses committed on or after January 1, 1996 and classified as non-parolable, state statute stipulates earning rates with a maximum of six credits per month and no more than 72 credits per year. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Scdc Policy (doc.sc.gov) - [confirmed] California mental-health activity credit: 1 week per 60 hours, max 6 weeks/year Under California's Milestone Completion Credit regulation, a person engaged in scheduled, structured therapeutic mental-health activities earns one week of credit (seven calendar days) for every 60 hours completed, up to a maximum of six weeks of credit for 360 hours completed in a twelve-month period. Tags: legal,mental_health,policy Sources: Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 15, § 3043.3 - Milestone Completion Credit | State Regulations | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute - [reported] Florida incentive gain-time rate post-1995 Florida's gain-time statute provides that for sentences imposed for offenses committed on or after October 1, 1995, the Department of Corrections may grant up to 10 days per month of incentive gain-time. Date: 1995-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Chapter 944 Section 275 - 2025 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45(b)(3) early parole pathway for drug trafficking sentences O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45(b)(3) allows an inmate sentenced under the drug trafficking provisions of O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30(d) and § 17-10-7(c) to a term of at least 12 years up to life to become eligible for parole consideration after completing 12 years if, among other criteria, the inmate has completed all criminogenic programming requirements and has a high school diploma or HSE, or if unable to obtain that, has completed a job skills training program, literacy program, adult basic education program, or faith based program. Tags: legal,parole,drugs,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-9-45 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Minnesota listed N/A for good time and earned time NCSL's chart lists Minnesota as N/A for both good time and earned time credit policies. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [confirmed] § 17-10-6.1(f) bars sentence reduction for serious violent felonies O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1(f) bars any earned time, early release, work release, leave, or other sentence-reducing measures administered by the Department of Corrections, or any pardon, parole, or commutation by the Board, from reducing a serious-violent-felony sentence, except that the offender may be considered for a transitional center or work release program during the final year of incarceration. Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-10-6.1 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Massachusetts completion credit eligibility requirements Massachusetts General Laws c.127 §129D provides that no prisoner shall be eligible for any deduction under subsection (a) or any completion credit under subsection (c) unless the prisoner has satisfied both the requirements of the program or activity and demonstrated competency in the material, as determined by the commissioner. Tags: legal,policy Sources: General Law - Part I, Title XVIII, Chapter 127, Section 129D - [confirmed] Alabama correctional incentive time statute amendment history Alabama's correctional incentive time statute has been amended by acts in 1980, 1991, 2005, 2015, 2022 and 2023. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Alabama Code Title 14. Criminal Correctional and Detention Facilities SECTION 14-9-41 COMPUTATION OF CORRECTIONAL INCENTIVE TIME DEDUCTIONS; REPORTING REQUIREMENTS | FindLaw - [reported] Pennsylvania Act 81 of 2008 established RRRI court eligibility step Pennsylvania's Act 81 of 2008 established RRRI, with Step 1 being that the court determines whether the defendant is an eligible offender. Date: 2008-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [confirmed] California restricted-housing inmates eligible for credits California's regulation on credit earning makes all eligible incarcerated persons, including those housed in restricted housing units, eligible to earn Milestone Completion Credit, Rehabilitative Achievement Credit, and Educational Merit Credit. Tags: legal,solitary,policy Sources: Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 15, § 3043 - Credit Earning | State Regulations | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute - [reported] Florida basic gain-time rate Florida law requires the Department of Corrections to grant basic gain-time at the rate of 10 days for each month of each sentence imposed on a prisoner, as a means of encouraging satisfactory behavior. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Chapter 944 Section 275 - 2025 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45(b)(3) requires criminogenic programming completion for early parole O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45(b)(3) requires an inmate sentenced under certain drug-trafficking provisions to a specified early-parole-eligibility pathway to have completed all criminogenic programming requirements as determined by a validated risk assessment instrument, among other conditions, to become eligible for parole consideration under that pathway. Tags: legal,parole,drugs,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-9-45 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [confirmed] Illinois natural life and first-degree murder/terrorism exclusions from sentence credits Illinois law excludes people serving a natural life sentence from receiving any sentence credits, and excludes first-degree murder and terrorism convictions from sentence credit eligibility, meaning those convicted of those two crimes serve 100% of their sentence in IDOC. Tags: legal,sentencing,policy Sources: Sentence Credits 101 - [reported] Vermont credit under 28 V.S.A. §811 to §819 NCSL's chart lists Vermont's credit under 28 V.S.A. §811 to §819 as 5 days per month for good behavior, no new convictions, and milestones met, plus 1 day per day for substance use disorder treatment and up to 30 days per month for time in work camp. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [reported] SB 139 / Act 280: minimal good time increases Right on Crime described Louisiana's Senate Bill 139, Act 280, as providing changes for parole consideration and 'minimal increases in good time accruals,' as the first of the Justice Reinvestment legislation to be implemented on November 1, 2017. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,parole Sources: Louisiana Criminal Justice Reforms—Fact versus Fiction - Right On Crime - [reported] Minnesota earned incentive release credit policy Minnesota's Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act directs the Commissioner of Corrections to establish a policy for earned incentive release credit that provides circumstances under which an incarcerated person may receive such credits, including participation in rehabilitative programming. Tags: legal,policy Sources: 1​ Minnesota Statutes 2023​ 244.43​ - [confirmed] Alabama: forfeiture of correctional incentive time for rule violations Alabama's correctional incentive time law provides that if, during the term of imprisonment, a prisoner commits an offense or violates a rule of the Department of Corrections, all or any part of his or her correctional incentive time accrued shall be forfeited. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Alabama Code Title 14. Criminal Correctional and Detention Facilities SECTION 14-9-41 COMPUTATION OF CORRECTIONAL INCENTIVE TIME DEDUCTIONS; REPORTING REQUIREMENTS | FindLaw - [reported] California violent offenders' good conduct credits rose from 15% to 20% Per the Legislative Analyst's Office, under CDCR's credit-earning regulations, good conduct credits for most violent offenders increased from up to 15 percent pre-implementation to up to 20 percent post-implementation. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: August 22, 2017 - [reported] Florida meritorious gain-time range Florida law allows meritorious gain-time of from 1 to 60 days for an inmate who performs an outstanding deed, such as saving a life or assisting in recapturing an escaped inmate, or otherwise performs outstanding service. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Chapter 944 Section 275 - 2025 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate - [confirmed] O.C.G.A. § 42-8-37(c)(1) requires three-year probation review O.C.G.A. § 42-8-37(c)(1) requires DCS to review the case of a probationer serving a sentence of three years or more after three years on probation, with a written report addressing arrests, revocations, and restitution payment status, and a recommendation on early termination. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-8-37 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Virginia budget amendment sets 4.5 credits per 30 days for violent-offense sentences A Virginia budget amendment requires that a person serving a sentence that includes at least one offense enumerated in the violent-offense list of the earned sentence credit statute have their entire sentence calculated at the lower rate of 4.5 sentence credits per 30 days served, rather than the expanded higher credit rate. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Earned Sentence Credit -VSA Budget Amendment Update - Virginia Sheriffs’ Association - [confirmed] Illinois EDSC statutory caps: 180 days under 5 years, 360 days for 5+ years Illinois law (730 ILCS 5/3-6-3(a)(3)) allows the Director of IDOC to award Earned Discretionary Sentence Credits in addition to programming and education credits, up to 180 days for a person whose sentence is less than 5 years and up to 360 days for a person whose sentence is 5 years or longer. Tags: legal,sentencing,policy Sources: Sentence Credits 101 - [reported] Maine listed N/A for good time and earned time NCSL's chart lists Maine as N/A for both good time and earned time credit policies, the same designation used for Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [reported] Minnesota 17% earned incentive release credit cap Under Minnesota's Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, the maximum earned incentive release credit is 17 percent of the total executed sentence, and the credit cannot reduce the term of imprisonment to less than one-half of the executed sentence. Tags: legal,policy Sources: 1​ Minnesota Statutes 2025​ 244.44​ - [confirmed] Tennessee 60-day educational good time credit for diplomas/degrees Tennessee's sentence reduction credit statute provides an educational good time credit of sixty (60) days to any qualifying prisoner who successfully receives a high school equivalency credential or high school diploma, a two-year or four-year college degree, a two-year or four-year certification in applied sciences, or a vocational education diploma. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-21-236 | FindLaw - [reported] Florida 85% minimum service requirement Florida law provides that an inmate subject to the gain-time provision in subparagraph (b)3 is not eligible to earn or receive gain-time in an amount that would result in release prior to serving a minimum of 85 percent of the sentence imposed. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Chapter 944 Section 275 - 2025 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate - [confirmed] Qualified-offense early termination subsection added by SB 105 (2021) O.C.G.A. § 42-8-37's history line shows the 'qualified offense' early-termination-of-probation subsection was added by Ga. L. 2021, p. 223, § 2/SB 105. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,legislation,reentry Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-8-37 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Virginia budget amendment modifies 2020 earned-sentence-credit structure The Virginia budget amendment limiting earned sentence credits changed the offense classifications eligible for the earned-sentence-credit structure set forth in House Bill 5148 and Senate Bill 5034 of the 2020 Special Session I. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Earned Sentence Credit -VSA Budget Amendment Update - Virginia Sheriffs’ Association - [confirmed] Illinois education credit amounts: 90 days GED, 120 associate, 180 bachelor/master/professional Illinois law (730 ILCS 5/3-6-3(a)(4.1)) provides education credits for achievements while in IDOC custody of 90 days for passing the high school equivalency test, 120 days for obtaining an associate's degree, and 180 days for a bachelor's, master's, or professional degree, available only if the person has not previously earned that degree. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Sentence Credits 101 - [reported] Colorado earned time credit rates Colorado's earned time law provides 10 or 12 days of credit per month served depending on classification, plus up to 60 days per completion of a program milestone or phase of an educational, vocational, or therapeutic program. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [reported] Minnesota earned incentive release credits revocable Minnesota's earned incentive release credits under the Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act are revocable if the person violates rules of the facility where the person is incarcerated. Tags: legal,policy Sources: 1​ Minnesota Statutes 2025​ 244.44​ - [reported] Ohio earned credit exclusion for aggravated murder Ohio Revised Code §2967.193 excludes earned days of credit for a person sentenced to death or serving a prison term or a term of life imprisonment for aggravated murder, murder, or a conspiracy or attempt to commit, or complicity in committing, aggravated murder or murder. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Section 2967.193 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws, section 2967.193 - [confirmed] California Constitution Article I Section 32(a) purpose California Constitution article I, section 32(a) states that its provisions are hereby enacted to enhance public safety, improve rehabilitation, and avoid the release of prisoners by federal court order. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Proposition 57 (capcentral.org) - [confirmed] Tennessee educational credit excluded for 85%/100% service offenses Tennessee's sixty-day educational good time credit for obtaining a diploma does not apply to any prisoner convicted of an offense that requires service of at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the sentence under § 40-35-501(i) or one hundred percent (100%) of the sentence under § 39-13-523. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-21-236 | FindLaw - [reported] California milestone credits doubled from 6 to 12 weeks per year Per the Legislative Analyst's Office, under CDCR's credit-earning regulations, Milestone Credits for non-sex-registrant, nonviolent, non-third-striker inmates increased from up to 6 weeks per year pre-implementation to up to 12 weeks per year post-implementation. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: August 22, 2017 - [reported] Texas 2011: judges allowed good-time credits for probationers completing milestones Right on Crime reported that in 2011, Texas judges were allowed to give 'good time' credits for probationers if they perform certain tasks, such as earning a degree, paying the full amount of restitution, and completing treatment programs. Date: 2011-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Ten Years of Criminal Justice Reform in Texas - Right On Crime - [confirmed] Washington earned release up to 50 percent for eligible offenders Washington's earned release time statute provides that an offender is qualified to earn up to 50 percent of aggregate earned release time if the offender is not classified as high-risk to reoffend, is not confined for a sex offense, violent offense, or crime against persons, and participates in programming or activities as directed by the offender's individual reentry plan. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: RCW 9.94A.729 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Illinois day-for-day credit for full-time program participation Illinois law (730 ILCS 5/3-6-3(a)(4)(A)) provides that a person participating full-time in substance abuse programs, correctional industry assignments, educational programs, work-release programs, behavior modification programs, life skills courses, or re-entry planning, who satisfactorily completes the assigned program, receives one day of sentence credit for each day participating. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Sentence Credits 101 - [reported] Nevada earned-time awards for educational credentials Nevada's earned-time law awards 60 days of credit for a GED, 90 days for a high school diploma, and 120 days for a first associate's degree, with up to 90 days for additional degrees at the director's discretion. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [reported] Mississippi meritorious earned time Mississippi Code § 47-5-142 allows an offender to receive 'meritorious earned time,' awarded by the Commissioner, for successful completion of educational or instructional programs, satisfactory participation in work projects, or satisfactory participation in any special incentive program. Tags: legal,policy Sources: HB 585 (As Sent to Governor) - 2014 Regular Session - [confirmed] New York: determinate sentence time allowance capped at one-seventh New York Correction Law §803 provides that a person serving a determinate sentence may receive a time allowance against the term of not more than one-seventh of the term imposed by the court. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: N.Y. Correction Law Section 803 – Good behavior allowances against indeterminate and determinate sentences (2026) - [reported] Ohio earned-credit statute sunset date Ohio's earned-credit statute provides that its provisions apply until April 4, 2024, to persons confined in a state correctional institution or in the substance use disorder treatment program, after which the provisions of section 2967.194 of the Revised Code apply to persons so confined. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Section 2967.193 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws, section 2967.193 - [confirmed] Alabama Correctional Incentive Time Act short title A section of Alabama Code Title 14, Chapter 9 (Section 14-9-40) states that the article shall be known as the 'Alabama Correctional Incentive Time Act.' Tags: legal Sources: Code of Alabama - Title 14: Criminal Correctional and Detention Facilities - Chapter 9 - Deductions From Sentences - Legal Research - [confirmed] Tennessee sentence credits: 1-16 days per month, max 8 for behavior and 8 for program Tennessee's sentence-reduction-credit statute allows inmates assigned to work, educational and/or vocational training programs to be awarded time credits toward the sentence imposed that vary between one and sixteen days for each month served, with not more than eight days per month for good institutional behavior and not more than eight days per month for satisfactory program performance. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-21-236 | FindLaw - [reported] California created Educational Merit Credits of 3-6 months per achievement Per the Legislative Analyst's Office, under CDCR's credit-earning regulations, new Educational Merit Credits of 3 to 6 months per achievement were created for all inmates except those sentenced to death and life without the possibility of parole, where previously there was no such credit. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: August 22, 2017 - [reported] Georgia Act 1133 (Earned Time Law) effective July 1, 1976 Effective July 1, 1976, Georgia Act 1133 ('the Earned Time Law') discontinued 'statutory' and 'extra' good time for persons sentenced after that date and provided for 'earned time' allowances to be awarded to these inmates based upon their performance. Date: 1976-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Annual report 1977 - [confirmed] Washington earned release cap 15 percent for certain offenses 1990-2003 Washington's earned release time statute caps aggregate earned release time at 15 percent of the sentence for an offender convicted of a serious violent offense or class A sex felony committed on or after July 1, 1990 and before July 1, 2003. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: RCW 9.94A.729 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [reported] North Dakota earned time for program participation North Dakota law provides 1 or 5 days per month of earned time credit for participation in an education program, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, or employment in prison industries. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [confirmed] Act 280 changed good time rate, not eligibility The Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that Act 280 of the 2017 Regular Legislative Session changed the rate at which inmates can earn diminution of sentence for good behavior (good time), allowing inmates to be released on good time parole sooner, but Act 280 did not change the eligibility criteria for good time. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Justice Reinvestment, 00003c7d [1] - [reported] Pre-1994 conflict between legislative sentencing and Board clemency power A Georgia Attorney General opinion states that before the 1994 constitutional amendment, there existed the potential for conflict between the General Assembly's legislative prerogative to establish crimes and prescribe punishment and the Board's constitutionally-derived power to grant clemency. Tags: legal,parole Sources: 95-4 | Office of the Attorney General - [confirmed] Federal FSA: 10 days credit per 30 days of programming Under federal law, a prisoner shall earn 10 days of time credits for every 30 days of successful participation in evidence-based recidivism reduction programming or productive activities. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [reported] Mississippi 2014 true minimums Mississippi's 2014 corrections reform law provides that no person convicted of a criminal offense on or after July 1, 2014 may be released until serving at least 50% of a sentence for a crime of violence or 25% of any other sentence, notwithstanding the earned-time statutes including Section 47-5-142. Date: 2014-07-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: HB 585 (As Sent to Governor) - 2014 Regular Session - [reported] Ohio eighty per cent-qualifying offender definition Under Ohio's judicial release statute, an 'eighty per cent-qualifying offender' means an offender who is serving a stated prison term of one year or more, on or after April 4, 2023, who has commenced service of that stated prison term and has served eighty per cent of that stated prison term. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Section 2929.20 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws - [confirmed] Tennessee: no right to time credits or program participation Under Tennessee's sentence-reduction-credit statute, no inmate has a right to any time credits or to participate in any particular program, and an inmate may be transferred from one assignment to another without cause. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-21-236 | FindLaw - [reported] California created Participation Credits up to 4 weeks per year Per the Legislative Analyst's Office, under CDCR's credit-earning regulations, new Participation Credits of up to 4 weeks per year were created for all inmates except those sentenced to death and life without the possibility of parole. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: August 22, 2017 - [confirmed] Washington earned release cap 10 percent for certain offenses after 2003 Washington's earned release time statute caps aggregate earned release time at 10 percent of the sentence for an offender convicted of a serious violent offense or class A sex felony committed on or after July 1, 2003. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: RCW 9.94A.729 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [reported] Idaho one-time vocational training credit Idaho law provides a one-time award of up to 6 days for 150 hours of participation in vocational training. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Good Time and Earned Time Policies for People in State Prisons - [reported] 1994 constitutional amendment ratified mandatory-sentence laws A Georgia constitutional amendment ratified by the people provides that any general law previously enacted by the General Assembly providing for life without parole or for mandatory service of sentences without suspension, probation, or parole is ratified and approved, subject to amendment or repeal by general law. Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: legal,parole Sources: 95-4 | Office of the Attorney General - [confirmed] Federal FSA: additional 5 days credit for low-risk prisoners A prisoner determined by the Bureau of Prisons to be at minimum or low risk for recidivating, who over 2 consecutive assessments has not increased their risk of recidivism, shall earn an additional 5 days of time credits for every 30 days of successful participation in evidence-based recidivism reduction programming or productive activities. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [reported] Mississippi forfeiture of meritorious earned time Under Mississippi Code § 47-5-142, an offender forfeits all meritorious earned time upon escape or aiding/abetting an escape, may forfeit all or part for just cause on written order of the Commissioner, and forfeited time is not restored or re-earned; no meritorious earned time may be awarded while assigned to maximum security facilities for disciplinary purposes. Tags: legal,policy Sources: HB 585 (As Sent to Governor) - 2014 Regular Session - [confirmed] Fourth Circuit ruling on FSA credits during transit The Fourth Circuit upheld denial of federal prisoner William White's habeas petition, holding that a prisoner who is not being offered programming because he is being temporarily housed at a transit facility that does not offer programming cannot be earning First Step Act time credits. Tags: legal,transfers Sources: Fourth Circuit Holds Federal Prisoner Does Not Earn First Step Act Time Credits While in Transit Between Prisons - [reported] Ohio DRC director judicial release recommendation Under Ohio's judicial release statute, the director of the department of rehabilitation and correction may recommend in writing to the sentencing court that the court consider releasing an eighty per cent-qualifying offender from prison through judicial release, with the director including an institutional summary report covering the offender's participation in school, training, work, treatment, and other rehabilitative activities. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole,reentry Sources: Section 2929.20 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws - [confirmed] Tennessee 60-day credit for 9-month residential SUD therapeutic community Tennessee provides a credit of sixty days to any qualifying prisoner who successfully completes an evidence-based, intensive residential substance use disorder treatment therapeutic community program of at least nine months in the department. Tags: legal,policy,drugs,mental_health Sources: Tennessee Code Title 41. Correctional Institutions and Inmates § 41-21-236 | FindLaw - [confirmed] California program credit is a privilege, not a right Under California's program credit statute, program credit is a privilege, not a right, and prisoners shall have a reasonable opportunity to participate in program credit qualifying assignments consistent with institutional security and available resources. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: California Penal Code section 2933.05 (2025) - [confirmed] Washington earned release cap one-third of sentence in other cases Washington's earned release time statute provides that in no other case shall the aggregate earned release time exceed one-third of the total sentence. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: RCW 9.94A.729 (app.leg.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Indiana educational credit reduction for stalking, felonies against persons, and IC 11-8-8-5 crimes Under Indiana's educational credit time statute, educational credit earned by an offender serving a sentence for stalking, a felony against a person, or a crime listed in IC 11-8-8-5 shall be reduced to the extent application of the credit would result in postconviction release or assignment to a community transition program in less than forty-five days after the person earns the credit. Tags: legal,policy,sentencing Sources: IC 35-50-6 (statecodesfiles.justia.com) - [confirmed] 2024 HB: no good time for offenses on/after Aug 1, 2024 Louisiana's 2024 Second Extraordinary Session House Bill (enrolled) provides that no person who commits an offense on or after August 1, 2024 is eligible to earn or be entitled to any diminution of sentence (good time), except as provided in new R.S. 15:571.3.1. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Enrolled (legis.la.gov) - [reported] AG opinion: constitutional limits on parole for seven serious violent felonies A Georgia Attorney General opinion states that additional constitutional limitations have been placed on the Board's power to parole, now the clear prerogative of the General Assembly, including the inability to parole during the mandatory minimum sentence for the seven serious violent felonies set out in O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1. Tags: legal,parole Sources: 95-4 | Office of the Attorney General - [disputed] CDCR authorized good conduct credit for violent felons up to one-third of sentence, exceeding 15% cap The Criminal Justice Legal Foundation's critique states that CDCR has authorized good conduct credit (GCC) for violent felons up to one-third of their sentence, even though such credits are capped by law at 15%, and that this interpretation is disputed and is the subject of litigation. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Criminal (cjlf.org) - [confirmed] Federal FSA: time credits applied toward prerelease custody or supervised release Time credits earned by federal prisoners who successfully participate in recidivism reduction programs or productive activities shall be applied toward time in prerelease custody or supervised release, with the Director of the Bureau of Prisons transferring eligible prisoners into prerelease custody or supervised release. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [reported] Mississippi minimum-time-served exceptions Mississippi's minimum-time-served floor on early release does not apply to offenders sentenced to life imprisonment, habitual offenders, offenders serving a sentence for a sex offense, or offenders serving a sentence for trafficking under Section 41-29-139(f). Tags: legal,policy Sources: HB 585 (As Sent to Governor) - 2014 Regular Session - [confirmed] New York: merit time tied to earned eligibility program and GED New York's merit time allowance may be granted when an incarcerated individual successfully participates in the assigned work and treatment program under the earned eligibility program and obtains a general equivalency diploma, among other qualifying achievements. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: N.Y. Correction Law Section 803 – Good behavior allowances against indeterminate and determinate sentences (2026) - [confirmed] BOP interim final rule removes arrival-date parenthetical BOP's interim final rule revised § 523.42(a) to provide that an eligible inmate begins earning FSA Time Credits after the inmate's term of imprisonment commences, removing the prior rule's parenthetical defining that date as when the inmate arrives or voluntarily surrenders at the designated Bureau facility. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 167, August 31, 2026 - [reported] Ohio 90-day program completion credit Under Ohio's earned-credit statute, a person who successfully completes certain programs, such as an Ohio high school diploma or equivalence, a therapeutic drug community program, or a career technical vocational school program, earns ninety days of credit toward satisfaction of the person's stated prison term or a ten per cent reduction of the term. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,drugs Sources: Section 2967.193 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws, 3 22 2019 - [confirmed] Tennessee SB 2248 became law without signature May 9, 2022 Tennessee's "Truth in Sentencing" bill, SB 2248, became law when Governor Bill Lee refused to veto it, allowing it to become law without his signature on May 9, 2022. Date: 2022-05-09 Tags: legal,legislation Sources: The Truth Shall Not Set You Free: A Brief Look at Tennessee’s Newly-Enacted “Truth in Sentencing” Law | Published by Lincoln Memorial University Law Review - [confirmed] California approved rehabilitation programming definition Under California's program credit statute, approved rehabilitation programming includes, but is not limited to, academic programs, vocational programs, vocational training, and core programs such as anger management and social life skills, and substance abuse programs. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: California Penal Code section 2933.05 (2025) - [reported] Massachusetts earned-time cap and violent-offense eligibility The Vera Institute report states that Massachusetts authorizes up to 15 days per month of earned-time credit, with the total reduction capped at 35 percent of a person's minimum sentence, and all incarcerated people, including those convicted of violent offenses, are eligible to earn time. Tags: policy,legal Sources: vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com: Summary of National Survey of States Earned and Good Time Earning Options Focusing on States That Have Few Offense Based Exclusions - [confirmed] 2024 HB: additional credit under R.S. 15:828, sex offense exclusion Under Louisiana's House Bill enacted in the 2nd Extraordinary Session (enrolled), an offender may earn an additional diminution of sentence as provided in R.S. 15:828, but this does not apply to any person convicted of a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Enrolled (legis.la.gov) - [reported] House Bill 70518 amends O.C.G.A. § 42-8-38 on probation violations A Georgia House Bill is described as an Act to amend Code Section 42-8-38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to arrest or graduated sanctions for probationers violating terms, hearing, disposition of charge, and procedure when probation is revoked in a county other than that of conviction. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Georgia General Assembly, 70518 - [confirmed] Federal FSA: ineligibility for time credits with final removal order A federal prisoner is ineligible to apply time credits if the prisoner is the subject of a final order of removal under any provision of the immigration laws. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [reported] Mississippi HB 585 sponsors Mississippi HB 585 (2014), sponsored by Representatives Gipson, Dixon, Snowden and Taylor, provided that no person convicted on or after July 1, 2014 shall be released until serving at least 50% of a sentence for a crime of violence or 25% of any other sentence, notwithstanding the earned-time and trusty-time statutes. Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: HB 585 (As Sent to Governor) - 2014 Regular Session - [confirmed] BOP interim final rule addresses foreign transfers BOP's interim final rule's second change addresses the eligibility of prisoners transferred to BOP custody from foreign countries to earn Time Credits. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,transfers Sources: Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 167, August 31, 2026 - [reported] Ohio 8% aggregate earned credit cap Ohio law caps the aggregate days of earned credit under the program/activity-participation and completion provisions at eight percent of the total number of days in a person's stated prison term, for persons other than those completing the enumerated ninety-day programs. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Section 2967.193 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws, 3 22 2019 - [confirmed] California program credits forfeitable; no credit causing overdue release Under California's program credit statute, credits may be forfeited under the code's general credit-forfeiture provision, and inmates are not eligible for program credits that would result in an inmate being overdue for release. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: California Penal Code section 2933.05 (2025) - [confirmed] Texas: general parole eligibility at one-fourth of sentence or 15 years, whichever less Under Texas Government Code § 508.145(f), except as provided by Section 508.146, an inmate not otherwise specifically covered is eligible for release on parole when the inmate's actual calendar time served plus good conduct time equals one-fourth of the sentence imposed or 15 years, whichever is less. Tags: parole,legal Sources: Texas Government Code Section 508.145 – Eligibility for Release on Parole; Computation of Parole Eligibility Date - [confirmed] Kansas program credit cap of 120 days Kansas's good time and program credits statute limits the amount of time which can be earned and retained by an inmate for the successful completion of programs and subtracted from any sentence to not more than 120 days. Tags: legal,policy,sentencing Sources: 21-6821 (ksrevisor.gov) - [confirmed] 2024 HB repeals R.S. 15:571.3(C),(D), 574.6.1, Art. 895.6 Louisiana's House Bill enacted in the 2nd Extraordinary Session repealed R.S. 15:571.3(C) and (D), R.S. 574.6.1, and Code of Criminal Procedure Article 895.6 in their entirety. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Enrolled (legis.la.gov) - [confirmed] § 42-5-101 authorizes work incentive credits for non-life felony terms O.C.G.A. § 42-5-101 states the Department of Corrections is authorized to devise and provide by agency rule a system of work incentive credits awarded to persons committed to its custody for any felony prison term other than life imprisonment. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-101 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [confirmed] Federal FSA: BOP guidelines for reduction of rewards/incentives The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall develop guidelines for the reduction of rewards and incentives earned for prisoners who violate prison rules or evidence-based recidivism reduction program or productive activity rules. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [confirmed] Fifth Circuit affirmed dismissal of FSA time-credit accrual habeas petition The Fifth Circuit, reviewing a federal prisoner's habeas challenge to when his FSA time credits began to accrue, affirmed the district court's dismissal of the petition. Tags: legal,policy Sources: United States Court of Appeals, 25 50315 CV0 - [confirmed] Tennessee 2022 Truth in Sentencing: 100% service, no release eligibility for enumerated offenses Under Tennessee's 2022 Truth in Sentencing bill, a person committing an enumerated offense on or after July 1, 2022 will have no release eligibility and will serve 100 percent of the sentence imposed by the court undiminished by any sentence reduction credits the person may be eligible for or earn. Date: 2022-07-01 Tags: legal,legislation Sources: Bill Information - Tennessee General Assembly - [confirmed] Texas: '3g' and organized-crime offenses require one-half of sentence or 30 years without good time Under Texas Government Code § 508.145(d)(2), an inmate serving a sentence for certain offenses listed under Article 42A.054 ('3g' offenses) or organized-crime offenses is not eligible for release on parole until the inmate's actual calendar time served, without consideration of good conduct time, equals one-half of the sentence or 30 calendar years, whichever is less. Tags: parole,legal,gangs Sources: Texas Government Code Section 508.145 – Eligibility for Release on Parole; Computation of Parole Eligibility Date - [confirmed] Kansas program credits exclude sex offender treatment Kansas's good time and program credits statute establishes a system whereby program credits may be earned by inmates for the successful completion of requirements for a general education diploma, a technical or vocational training program, a substance abuse treatment program or any other program designated by the secretary, but program credits shall not be earned by any offender successfully completing a sex offender treatment program. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: 21-6821 (ksrevisor.gov) - [reported] New Jersey 85 percent requirement for violent crimes The Vera Institute report states that under N.J. Rev. Stat. § 2C:43-7.2, people serving time for most violent crimes in New Jersey are ineligible for release before they have served 85 percent of their sentences, including murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, aggravated sexual assault, weapons trafficking, kidnapping, and carjacking. Tags: policy,legal Sources: vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com: Summary of National Survey of States Earned and Good Time Earning Options Focusing on States That Have Few Offense Based Exclusions - [confirmed] HB 10 of 2024 2nd Extraordinary Session scope Louisiana House Bill 10 of the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session amended R.S. 15:571.5(C), enacted R.S. 15:571.3(G) and 571.3.1, and repealed R.S. 15:571.3(C) and (D), 574.6.1, and Code of Criminal Procedure Article 895.6, relating to eligibility for good time credits, elimination of earned compliance credits while on probation or parole, and earning of additional good time credit through program participation and completion. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,parole Sources: Enrolled (legis.la.gov) - [confirmed] Work incentive credits recognize education, work, and behavior O.C.G.A. § 42-5-101 states work incentive credits may be awarded to recognize institutional attainments in academic or vocational education, satisfactory performance of work assignments, and compliance with behavior standards, and that the department may award up to one day of credit for each day of participation in approved educational or other counseling programs. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-101 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Maryland: 5 days per month deduction for satisfactory work tasks Under Maryland's Correctional Services Article, an incarcerated individual may be allowed a deduction of five days from the individual's term of confinement for each month during which the individual manifests satisfactory performance of assigned work tasks, with these credits awarded monthly for the previous month's participation. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] Federal FSA: last listed ineligible offense is controlled-substance offense (lxviii) The last entry in the list of offenses making a federal prisoner ineligible for FSA time credits is item (lxviii), covering specified controlled-substance manufacturing, distributing, dispensing or possession offenses under section 401(b)(1) of the Controlled Substances Act or section 1010(b) of the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Tags: legal,drugs,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [reported] Oklahoma achievement earned credits authorization Oklahoma law provides achievement earned credits for successful completion of agency-approved programs, including substance abuse, cognitive/behavioral, education, and vocational training programs, authorized under 57 O.S. 138, effective November 1, 1988. Date: 1988-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,drugs,mental_health Sources: The Service of Sentences and Credit - [confirmed] Kentucky 90-day educational credit per diploma, degree, or program Kentucky's educational good time law requires that a person convicted and sentenced to a state penal institution shall receive a credit on his or her sentence for successfully receiving a High School Equivalency Diploma, high school diploma, college degree, completed vocational or technical education program, or correspondence postsecondary education program resulting in a diploma or degree, in the amount of ninety (90) days per diploma, degree, or technical education program completed. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: 197.045 Credit on sentence for prior confinement, educational accomplishment, - [reported] New Jersey commutation credit rate and violent-crime exclusion The Vera Institute report states that under N.J. Rev. Stat. § 30:4-140, New Jersey's commutation credit is automatically applied at a rate of 7 to 16 days a month, applied to the minimum and maximum sentences, with the longer deductions applying to longer sentences, capped at the 30-year rate, but good time does not apply to most violent crimes until people have served 85 percent of their sentences. Tags: policy,legal Sources: vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com: Summary of National Survey of States Earned and Good Time Earning Options Focusing on States That Have Few Offense Based Exclusions - [confirmed] 15% cap on automatic good time for post-Aug 2024 offenses Louisiana's good time statute for offenses committed on or after August 1, 2024 caps automatic good time (diminution of sentence for good behavior) at 15% of the sentence imposed, and excludes sex offenders and habitual offenders from earning it. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislature, Law [3] - [confirmed] Work incentive credits reported to Parole Board O.C.G.A. § 42-5-101 states any work incentive credits awarded shall be reported by the department to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, which shall consider them when making a final parole release decision, and the department may recommend the board apply the credits to advance an established tentative parole release date. Tags: legal,parole Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-101 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Maryland: 5 days per month deduction for program participation Under Maryland's Correctional Services Article, an incarcerated individual may be allowed a deduction of five days from the individual's term of confinement for each month during which the individual manifests satisfactory progress in or completion of vocational courses, other educational and training courses, workforce development training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, substance abuse therapy, life skills training, or antiviolence therapy including anger management and conflict resolution. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] Federal FSA: loss of time credits requires written notice, limited to earned credits Under 18 U.S.C. § 3632(e), any reduction in incentives that includes the loss of time credits earned under the First Step Act program requires written notice to the prisoner, is limited to time credits earned as of the date of the rule violation, and does not include any future time credits the prisoner may earn. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [confirmed] First Circuit: BOP regulation on sentence commencement conflicts with FSA text; vacated dismissal The First Circuit, finding the BOP regulation's view of when a sentence commences plainly conflicts with the text of the First Step Act, vacated the dismissal of the prisoner's habeas petition and remanded for further proceedings. Tags: legal,policy Sources: United States Court of Appeals, 25 1291P 01A - [confirmed] Senate vote on First Step Act On the motion to concur in the House amendment with an amendment to S. 756 (First Step Act of 2018), the Senate voted 87 Yeas to 12 Nays on December 18, 2018, and the motion was agreed to. Date: 2018-12-18 Tags: legal,legislation Sources: U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 115th Congress - 2nd Session - [reported] Oklahoma 85% crimes earned credit restriction Under Oklahoma's 21 O.S. 13.1, offenders who commit certain listed crimes (including Murder I, Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, Rape I, Arson I, Burglary I, and other listed offenses) committed on or after March 1, 2000 must serve 85% of their sentence of imprisonment before becoming eligible for parole consideration and are not eligible for earned credits or any type of credit that might reduce the sentence below 85% served; inmates are eligible to earn credits during the first 85% of the sentence, but said credits will not be applied towards the sentence until the inmate has served 85% of the sentence. Date: 2000-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: The Service of Sentences and Credit - [reported] Alabama Class I good time cut from 75 to 30 days Under Alabama's previous good-time law, Class I prisoners earned 75 days of good time for every 30 days served; a newly enacted law cuts that down to 30 days. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Ivey signs "good time" bill into law - [confirmed] Tennessee House passed companion bill 86-9 The Tennessee House companion bill to the 2022 Truth in Sentencing Act passed the House with 86 ayes and 9 nays on 04/21/2022. Date: 2022-04-21 Tags: legal,legislation Sources: Bill Information - Tennessee General Assembly - [confirmed] Utah: earned time program requires at least four months credit per program, up to two programs Utah's earned time program statute directs the Board of Pardons and Parole to establish an earned time program that provides not less than four months of earned time credit each for the completion of up to two board-approved programs that are part of the offender's case action plan. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Earned Time Credit Programs | UDC – Corrections - [confirmed] Kentucky up to 90 days credit per completed drug treatment or evidence-based program Kentucky's educational/program good-time statute allows a credit of not more than ninety (90) days for each program completed for successfully completing a drug treatment program, evidence-based program, or any other promising practice or life skills program approved by the department. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,drugs Sources: 197.045 Credit on sentence for prior confinement, educational accomplishment, - [reported] Ohio earned credit and offense-based exclusions The Vera Institute report's appendix table lists Ohio under Ohio Rev. Code §2967.193 (prior to April 4, 2024) as providing one or five days per month for participation in an education program or vocational training, with people not eligible for credits if serving a mandatory prison term, a prison term imposed for murder, crimes in which a firearm was used, some sex offenses, mandatory minimum drug offenses, corruption offenses, an offense of violence, or a prison term imposed for a sexually oriented offense. Tags: policy,legal Sources: vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com: Summary of National Survey of States Earned and Good Time Earning Options Focusing on States That Have Few Offense Based Exclusions - [confirmed] Post-2024 program credits under R.S. 15:828, sex offense exclusion For crimes committed on or after August 1, 2024, Louisiana offenders may earn an additional diminution of sentence as provided in R.S. 15:828 (program credits), but this additional credit does not apply to anyone convicted of a sex offense as defined in R.S. 15:541. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislature, Law [3] - [confirmed] Former § 42-5-101 repealed effective January 1, 1984 An editor's note to O.C.G.A. § 42-5-101 states that former Code Section 42-5-101, pertaining to the applicability of Code Section 42-5-100 to persons sentenced prior to July 1, 1976, was repealed by Ga. L. 1983, p. 1340, § 2, effective January 1, 1984. Date: 1984-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-5-101 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [reported] Maryland: 60 days per educational program completed (40 days for violent crimes) In Maryland, in addition to any other deductions, an incarcerated individual may be allowed a deduction for completion of a specified educational program, with the applicable deduction being 60 days per program completed, or 40 days per program completed for an incarcerated individual serving a sentence for a crime of violence. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] Federal FSA: procedure to restore lost time credits Under 18 U.S.C. § 3632(e), there must be a procedure to restore time credits that a federal prisoner lost as a result of a rule violation, based on the prisoner's individual progress after the date of the rule violation. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [confirmed] House vote on First Step Act On Roll Call 448, Bill Number S. 756 (First Step Act of 2018), a motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to House amendment, the House voted on December 20, 2018, with 358 yea, 36 nay, 0 present, and the status was Passed. Date: 2018-12-20 Tags: legal,legislation Sources: Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives - [confirmed] Arizona earned release credit: 3 days per 7 for drug program completion Arizona's earned release credit statute awards three days of credit for every seven days served to a qualifying prisoner who has successfully completed a drug treatment program or other major self-improvement program provided by the department during the prisoner's term of imprisonment and has not previously been convicted of a violent or aggravated felony. Tags: legal,policy,drugs Sources: 41-1604.07 - Earned release credits; forfeiture; restoration; released prisoner health care; annual report - [confirmed] Virginia: maximum 4.5 sentence credits per 30 days for serious offenses Under Virginia Code § 53.1-202.3(A), a maximum of 4.5 sentence credits may be earned for each 30 days served on a sentence for a conviction for certain enumerated serious offenses including a Class 1 felony, and the earning of such credits is conditioned in part upon full participation in and cooperation with assigned programs. Tags: legal,policy Sources: § 53.1-202.3. Rate at which sentence credits may be earned; prerequisites - [reported] Illinois EDSC award limits Illinois IDOC's Earned Discretionary Sentence Credit allows the Director to award up to 180 days of EDSC for individuals in custody serving a sentence of less than 5 years, and up to 365 days of EDSC for individuals serving a sentence of 5 years or longer. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Earned Discretionary Sentence Credit FAQ - [confirmed] Kentucky forfeiture of sentencing credit for offenses or rule violations Under Kentucky's sentencing-credit statute, except for a sentencing credit awarded for prior confinement, the department may forfeit any sentencing credit previously earned by the prisoner or deny the right to earn future sentencing credit in any amount if, during the term of imprisonment, a prisoner commits any offense or violates the rules of the institution. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,sentencing Sources: 197.045 Credit on sentence for prior confinement, educational accomplishment, - [reported] Maryland: total credits not to exceed 30 days per month Maryland law provides five days per month of diminution credit for participation in educational, vocational, or other training courses, with total credits not to exceed 30 days per month, plus 60 days per educational program completed. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] Federal FSA: ineligibility for certain violent offenses A federal prisoner is ineligible to receive First Step Act time credits if serving a sentence for a conviction under certain listed provisions of law, including destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities, destruction of motor vehicles or motor vehicle facilities, drive-by shootings, arson within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction, and assaulting certain officers with a deadly or dangerous weapon. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3632 - [reported] Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act bars earned time for parole eligibility Mississippi's 'Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act' provides that notwithstanding any other provision of law, an inmate shall not be eligible to receive earned time, good time or any other administrative reduction of time which shall reduce the time necessary to be served for parole eligibility. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: SB2795 (As Introduced) - 2021 Regular Session - [confirmed] Arizona earned release credit: drug treatment program condition Arizona's earned release credit statute conditions the three-days-for-seven rate on the prisoner having successfully completed a drug treatment program or other major self-improvement program provided by the department during the prisoner's term of imprisonment. Tags: legal,policy,drugs Sources: 41-1604.07 - Earned release credits; forfeiture; restoration; released prisoner health care; annual report - [confirmed] Rhode Island program participation credit up to five days per month plus thirty days on completion Rhode Island law provides that for each month a prisoner sentenced to imprisonment for more than one month, not under a life sentence, has participated faithfully in programs determined by the director to address the prisoner's individual needs related to criminal behavior, there may be deducted from the prisoner's sentence up to an additional five days a month; and whenever the prisoner has successfully completed such a program, there may be deducted up to an additional thirty days. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Title 42 State Affairs and Government - [confirmed] Virginia: earned sentence credits cannot reduce parole eligibility date Under Virginia Code § 53.1-202.3(G), notwithstanding any other provision of law, no portion of any earned sentence credits may be applied to reduce the period of time a person must serve before becoming eligible for parole upon any sentence. Tags: legal,parole Sources: § 53.1-202.3. Rate at which sentence credits may be earned; prerequisites - [reported] Illinois bachelor's degree credit Illinois law requires an additional 180 days of sentence credit to be awarded to any prisoner who obtains a bachelor's degree while committed to the Department of Corrections. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes - Full Text - [confirmed] Kentucky educational good time statute amendment history Kentucky's educational good time statute was last amended effective April 7, 2021, following earlier amendments in 2019, 2017, and 2014. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,legislation,policy Sources: 197.045 Credit on sentence for prior confinement, educational accomplishment, - [confirmed] Federal: BOP may transfer to supervised release up to 12 months early based on time credits The Director of the Bureau of Prisons may transfer an eligible federal prisoner to begin supervised release at an earlier date, not to exceed 12 months, based on the application of earned time credits. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3624 - [reported] Mississippi SB 2795 sponsors and purpose Mississippi Senate Bill 2795, titled the 'Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act,' was introduced by Senators Barnett, Jackson (11th), Sparks, Butler, Wiggins, Jackson (32nd), and Simmons (13th) to amend Section 47-7-3 of the Mississippi Code to prescribe conditions for parole eligibility. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: SB2795 (As Introduced) - 2021 Regular Session - [confirmed] Arizona earned release credit: default 1 day per 6 Arizona's earned release credit statute sets the default rate at one day of credit for every six days served for a prisoner sentenced for an offense not eligible for the enhanced drug-program rate. Tags: legal,policy Sources: 41-1604.07 - Earned release credits; forfeiture; restoration; released prisoner health care; annual report - [confirmed] Rhode Island institutional industries credit of two to five days per month Rhode Island law provides that for each month a prisoner sentenced to more than one month, not under a life sentence, has faithfully engaged in institutional industries, there shall be deducted from the prisoner's sentence an additional two to five days a month. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Title 42 State Affairs and Government - [confirmed] California Penal Code 2933.05 program credit privilege California Penal Code Section 2933.05 states that program credit is a privilege, not a right, and prisoners shall have a reasonable opportunity to participate in program credit qualifying assignments in a manner consistent with institutional security and available resources. Tags: legal,policy Sources: California Penal Code Section 2933.05 - California Attorney Resources - California Laws - [confirmed] Tennessee sentence credits not earned in maximum security or punitive segregation Tennessee Code § 41-21-236(a)(7) states that sentence credits shall not be earned or credited to any inmates classified as maximum security or being held in punitive segregation. Tags: legal,solitary,policy Sources: Tennessee Code § 41-21-236 (2025) - Sentence reduction credits :: 2025 Tennessee Code :: U.S. Codes and Statutes :: U.S. Law :: Justia - [confirmed] Virginia: Level I credits deduct 15 days per 30 served Under Virginia Code § 53.1-202.3(B)(1), Level I sentence credits deduct 15 days from the person's sentence for every 30 days served and are awarded to persons who participate in and cooperate with all assigned programs, with no more than one minor correctional infraction and no serious correctional infractions. Tags: legal,policy Sources: § 53.1-202.3. Rate at which sentence credits may be earned; prerequisites - [reported] Illinois master's/professional degree credit Illinois law awards an additional 180 days of sentence credit to a prisoner who obtains a master's or professional degree while committed to the Department of Corrections. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes - Full Text - [confirmed] Kentucky good-behavior credit up to 10 days/month and meritorious-service credit up to 7 days/month Kentucky law allows discretionary good-behavior credit of not exceeding 10 days for each month served, and meritorious-service credit awarded at the commissioner's discretion of not more than 7 days per month. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,sentencing Sources: 197.045 Credit on sentence for prior confinement, educational accomplishment, - [reported] Utah: minimum 4 months earned credit per program, up to 2 programs Utah law provides a minimum of 4 months of earned credit for completion of one program identified in a case action plan, and an incarcerated individual may earn credit for up to 2 programs, with the parole board having discretion to award additional time. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] Federal: up to 54 days credit per year for sentences over 1 year A federal prisoner serving a term of imprisonment of more than 1 year, other than a term of imprisonment for the duration of the prisoner's life, may receive credit toward the service of the prisoner's sentence of up to 54 days for each year of the prisoner's sentence imposed by the court. Tags: legal,sentencing Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3624 - [reported] Mississippi proposed 47-7-3.2 minimums Under Mississippi's proposed amendment to 47-7-3.2, no person convicted after June 30, 1995 shall be released until serving no less than 25% of a sentence for a nonviolent crime, or 50% or 20 years, whichever is less, of a sentence for a crime of violence under Section 97-3-2 (except robbery with a deadly weapon) if sentenced after June 30, 1995 and before July 1, 2014. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: SB2795 (As Introduced) - 2021 Regular Session - [reported] Oklahoma monthly term reduction statute Oklahoma's earned-credit statute provides that every inmate of a state correctional institution shall have their term of imprisonment reduced monthly based upon the class level to which they are assigned, with each earned credit equivalent to one day of incarceration, and no deductions credited to any inmate serving a sentence of life imprisonment. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Oklahoma Statutes (oksenate.gov) - [confirmed] Arizona earned release credit: drug offense eligibility Arizona law grants an earned release credit of three days for every seven days served to a prisoner sentenced for possession or use of marijuana, a dangerous drug, or a narcotic drug who has successfully completed a drug treatment program or other major self-improvement program and has not previously been convicted of a violent or aggravated felony. Tags: legal,policy,drugs Sources: 41-1604.07 - Earned release credits; forfeiture; restoration; released prisoner health care; annual report - [confirmed] South Carolina educational credit requires program participation and excludes violent crimes Under South Carolina Code § 24-13-230(F), an individual is eligible for the educational credits provided for in that section only upon successful participation in an academic, technical, or vocational training program, and that educational credit is not available to any individual convicted of a violent crime as defined in Section 16-1-60. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: scstatehouse.gov: t24c013 - [confirmed] California Penal Code 2933.05 approved programming definition California Penal Code Section 2933.05 defines "approved rehabilitation programming" to include, but not be limited to, academic programs, vocational programs, vocational training, and core programs such as anger management and social life skills, and substance abuse programs. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: California Penal Code Section 2933.05 - California Attorney Resources - California Laws - [confirmed] Colorado earned time for degrees: 18 months master's, 2 years doctoral Colorado's earned time statute awards, for an inmate sentenced for a nonviolent felony offense, eighteen months of earned time for a master's degree, two years of earned time for a doctoral degree, one year of earned time for an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree, and six months of earned time for a certificate or other credential requiring completion of at least thirty credit hours. Tags: legal,policy Sources: C.R.S. 17-22.5-405 – Earned time - [confirmed] Virginia: Level IV awards no sentence credits for willful non-participation Under Virginia Code § 53.1-202.3(B)(4), no sentence credits are awarded to persons classified in Level IV, which applies to a person who willfully fails to participate in or cooperate with all assigned programs, job assignments, and educational curriculums, or who causes substantial security or operational problems at the correctional facility. Tags: legal,policy Sources: § 53.1-202.3. Rate at which sentence credits may be earned; prerequisites - [reported] Illinois truth-in-sentencing credit reduction Illinois law provides that a prisoner subject to the 85% truth-in-sentencing requirement may receive sentence credit at a rate reduced to 60% if the prisoner is required to serve 75% of his or her sentence, except that a prisoner serving a sentence for gunrunning shall not have his or her sentence reduced to less than 75%. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes - Full Text - [confirmed] Kentucky violent offenders barred from most credits but eligible for educational credit, with 85% floor Under Kentucky's amendment to KRS 197.045, a violent offender is barred from most sentence credits but is excepted for 'the educational credit,' though in no event may a violent offender be given credit on his sentence if the credit reduces the term of imprisonment to less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the sentence. Tags: legal,policy,sentencing Sources: Chapter 2 1 - [reported] Indiana: educational credits up to 2 years for bachelor's degree Indiana law provides, by statute, up to 6 months of educational credit for completion of a literacy and basic life skills program, 6 months for a GED, 1 year for a high school diploma, up to 1 year for an associate's degree, up to 2 years for a bachelor's degree, and up to 1 year for an additional credential. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] Federal: early supervised release transfer up to 12 months if court required supervised release If a sentencing court required a federal prisoner be placed on a term of supervised release after imprisonment, the BOP Director may transfer the prisoner to begin that supervised release at an earlier date, not to exceed 12 months, based on the application of earned time credits. Tags: legal,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3624 - [reported] Oklahoma four class levels policy directive Oklahoma's earned-credit statute directs the Department of Corrections to develop written policy assigning inmates to one of four class levels, with guidelines for awarding credits for rehabilitation, obtaining job skills and educational enhancement, and participation in and completion of alcohol/chemical abuse programs. Tags: legal,policy,drugs Sources: Oklahoma Statutes (oksenate.gov) - [confirmed] Arkansas Criminal Justice Efficiency and Safety Act of 2017 (SB 136) Arkansas's Senate Bill 136 of 2017 was titled 'AN ACT TO BE KNOWN AS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY ACT OF 2017' and was sponsored by Senator J. Hutchinson and Representatives Tucker and Shepherd. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Stricken language would be deleted from and underlined language would be added to present law., FTPDocument [1] - [confirmed] South Carolina director determines credit amounts and may forfeit credits for rule violations Under South Carolina Code § 24-13-230(D), the South Carolina Department of Corrections director determines the amount of credit to be earned for each duty classification or enrollment, and if a prisoner commits an offense or violates an institution rule, all or part of the work credit or education credit earned may be forfeited. Tags: policy,legal Sources: scstatehouse.gov: t24c013 - [confirmed] California Penal Code 2933.05 ineligibility California Penal Code Section 2933.05 states that inmates shall not be eligible for program credits that result in an inmate overdue for release, and that any person serving a term of imprisonment for an offense specified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 is not eligible for program credits under the section. Tags: legal,policy Sources: California Penal Code Section 2933.05 - California Attorney Resources - California Laws - [confirmed] Colorado bars duplicate earned time for degree-credit milestones Colorado's earned time statute provides that the department shall not award earned time to an offender for completion of a milestone or phase of an educational, vocational, therapeutic, or reentry program if it is for completion of an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree or a certificate or other credential for which earned time is already deducted under the degree-credit subsection. Tags: legal,policy Sources: C.R.S. 17-22.5-405 – Earned time - [reported] Illinois program participation credit Under Illinois law, if an inmate can document more than 45 days of participation in eligible substance-abuse, educational, behavior-modification or similar programs, the inmate receives 90 days of sentence credit; otherwise the inmate receives 45 days of sentence credit. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes - Full Text - [reported] Oregon: up to 20% of prison term as deduction Oregon law allows up to 20% of a prison term as a deduction for appropriate institutional conduct and program participation. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] Federal: up to 1 year reduction for completing residential substance abuse treatment The period a federal prisoner convicted of a nonviolent offense remains in custody after successfully completing a residential substance abuse treatment program may be reduced by the Bureau of Prisons, but such reduction may not be more than one year from the term the prisoner must otherwise serve. Tags: legal,drugs,reentry Sources: law.cornell.edu: 3621 - [reported] Missouri good time credit policy Missouri's good time credit statute provides that the director of the department of corrections shall issue a policy for awarding credit which may reward an inmate who has served his or her sentence in an orderly and peaceable manner and has taken advantage of the rehabilitation programs available. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Missouri Revisor of Statutes - Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 558.041 - [reported] Oklahoma meritorious-acts credit cap Oklahoma's meritorious-acts credit statute provides that every inmate of a state correctional facility may be entitled to a deduction of no more than one hundred (100) credits for each meritorious act performed and approved by the Department of Corrections, and the Department does not have authority to revoke such credit once awarded. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Oklahoma Statutes (oksenate.gov) - [confirmed] South Carolina no parole offense defined as class A, B, or C felony punishable by 20 years or more Under South Carolina Code § 24-13-100, a "no parole offense" means a class A, B, or C felony or an offense exempt from classification as enumerated in Section 16-1-10(d), which is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment for twenty years or more. Tags: legal,policy Sources: scstatehouse.gov: t24c013 - [reported] Illinois sex offense and natural life exclusions Illinois law excludes an inmate convicted of a sex offense from receiving program sentence credit unless specified sex-offender-treatment conditions are satisfied, and bars any inmate serving a term of natural life imprisonment from receiving that program credit. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes - Full Text - [reported] Parole eligibility requires completion of DOC-approved risk assessment programming The Parole Handbook states an additional parole-eligibility requirement under this provision is completion of all programming requirements as determined by a DOC-approved risk assessment instrument. Tags: parole,legal,policy Sources: pap.georgia.gov: parole handbook - [reported] Rhode Island and Tennessee credit exclusions NCSL's brief states that Rhode Island statute specifies that people incarcerated for murder, kidnapping a minor, sexual assault or child molestation are ineligible to earn good time, and that Tennessee does not allow people classified as maximum security or held in punitive segregation to earn credits. Tags: policy,legal Sources: State Approaches to Sentence Credits: Earned and Good Time Laws - [reported] Kansas: up to 120 days sentence credit for program completion Kansas law provides up to 120 days of sentence credit for completion of a GED, technical or vocational training program, substance abuse program, or any other program shown to reduce an incarcerated individual's risk after release. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [confirmed] First Step Act of 2018 published December 21, 2018 GovInfo's citation for Public Law 115-391, the First Step Act of 2018, states it was published by the U.S. Government Publishing Office on December 21, 2018. Date: 2018-12-21 Tags: legal,reentry Sources: Public Law 115 - 391 - First Step Act of 2018 - PLAW-115publ391 | Content Details | GovInfo - [reported] Nevada 60-day GED credit Nevada's credit statute provides an educational achievement credit of 60 days for earning a general educational development certificate or an equivalent document. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Nrs: Chapter 209 - Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Good time credit calculation change under FSA BOP's First Step Act overview states the Act amended federal law so that federal inmates can earn up to 54 days of good time credit for every year of their imposed sentence rather than for every year of their sentence served. Tags: legal,policy Sources: BOP: First Step Act Overview - [confirmed] Arkansas Protect Arkansas Act (SB 495, 2023) bipartisan sponsorship Arkansas's Protect Arkansas Act, Senate Bill 495 of the 2023 Regular Session, 94th General Assembly, was sponsored by a large bipartisan group of senators. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Stricken language would be deleted from and underlined language would be added to present law., FTPDocument [2] - [confirmed] South Carolina S.1154 Omnibus Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act introduced February 9, 2010 South Carolina's bill S.1154, the Omnibus Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act of 2010, was sponsored by Senators Malloy, Knotts, Campsen, McConnell, Fair, Cromer, Ford, Elliott, Scott, Nicholson, Coleman, Massey, Cleary, Hutto, Peeler, Williams, Land, Rose, Campbell, L. Martin, Leventis, Leatherman, Setzler, O'Dell, Hayes and Pinckney, and was introduced in the Senate on February 9, 2010. Date: 2010-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: 2009-2010 Bill 1154: Omnibus Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act - South Carolina Legislature Online - [confirmed] Connecticut PA 11-51 established RRECs up to 5 days per month Connecticut's legislature passed PA 11-51, effective July 1, 2011, establishing risk reduction earned credits (RRECs) codified as CGS § 18-98e, making certain inmates eligible to earn up to five days of RRECs per month for offenses committed on or after October 1, 1994. Date: 2011-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: OLR Backgrounder: Inmate Sentence Reduction Methods - [reported] Illinois high school equivalency credit Illinois law provides that an additional 90 days of sentence credit shall be awarded to any prisoner who passes high school equivalency testing while committed to the Department of Corrections. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Illinois General Assembly - Illinois Compiled Statutes - Full Text - [confirmed] West Virginia up to 90 days good time per approved program West Virginia law provides that, in addition to standard good time and discretionary extra good time, an eligible inmate serving a felony sentence may receive up to 90 days good time per program for successfully completing an approved, but not required, academic or vocational program that is not part of the inmate's required individualized reentry programming. Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: West Virginia Code | §15A-4-17 - [reported] Parole Handbook alternative for illiteracy or learning disability The Parole Handbook states that if a person cannot obtain a high school or GED diploma because of illiteracy or a learning disability, he or she must complete a job skills training program, a literacy program, an adult basic education program, or a faith based program. Tags: parole,legal,policy,reentry Sources: pap.georgia.gov: parole handbook - [reported] New Jersey: remission of one day per five days of work New Jersey law allows remission of time from sentence for work compensation not to exceed one day for each five days of work, in addition to or instead of cash compensation at established wage rates. Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) POLICYS (59) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Arkansas meritorious good time cap Arkansas DOC policy defines meritorious good time as a reduction in an inmate's parole or transfer eligibility date of up to 30 days for each month incarcerated after imposition of sentence, but meritorious good time shall under no circumstances reduce an inmate's time served by more than one-half of the percentage required by law for transfer eligibility. Tags: policy,parole,transfers Sources: Section Number: Page Number - [reported] Virginia earned sentence credit program since 1995 The Virginia earned sentence credit program has made it possible for some people incarcerated in Virginia to earn their release since 1995, and when Virginia lawmakers passed a law in 2020 increasing how many credits people can earn, the change was expected to impact thousands of people incarcerated in VDOC facilities. Tags: policy,legal,parole Sources: Supreme Court of Virginia ruling indicates Virginia Department of Corrections is unlawfully imprisoning potentially hundreds of people for too long - ACLU of Virginia - [reported] PIC eligibility: no death or life sentence GDC's Performance Incentive Credit fact sheet lists eligibility requirements including that the offender 'Must not be under death sentence or serving life sentence.' Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: Performance Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] PIC program: up to 6 months credit via Re-Entry case plan completion GDC's PIC program document states that offenders can earn one point for completing all activities within a category in the Re-Entry case plan, and as offenders complete 100% of all categories of their Re-Entry case plan, they may earn 6 points, i.e., up to 6 months credit via case-plan completion. Tags: policy,reentry,parole Sources: The Performance Incentive Credit (PIC) Program is a program whereby eligible - [reported] BOP policy: FSA time credits rescinded if person declines waitlisted program BOP's time credits program statement clarified that if an incarcerated person refuses or declines to participate in the recommended program or activity for which the person had been on a waitlist, any First Step Act time credits earned will be rescinded to reflect the person's refusal. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: United States Government Accountability Office, gao 23 105139 - [reported] Illinois prior IDOC policy held short-term offenders at least 61 days before MGT release The Illinois gubernatorial review found that under prior IDOC policy, short-term offenders awarded Meritorious/Supplemental Good Time remained in IDOC for a period not less than 61 days, until a new procedure implemented on August 31, 2009 began processing and releasing them from Reception and Classification centers instead. Date: 2009-01-01 Tags: policy,reentry,operations Sources: prisonlegalnews.org: illinois good time report august 2010 - [reported] PIC eligibility: sentence longer than two years GDC's PIC fact sheet requires that the offender 'Must have sentence length of more than two years.' Tags: policy,parole Sources: Performance Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] PIC eligibility: no non-parole-eligible offense GDC's PIC fact sheet requires that the offender 'Must not be serving a sentence with a non-parole eligible offense.' Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: Performance Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] NC Earned Time Sentence Credits monthly cap North Carolina DPS Prisons policy states that eligible offenders serving felon sentences shall not be awarded or receive more than a total of nine days Earned Time Sentence Credits per month, and total credit awards are applied to reduce the offender's maximum sentence and shall not reduce a felon offender's incarceration period below his or her minimum sentence imposed by the court. Tags: policy,legal Sources: State of North Carolina - [confirmed] BOP DCEGT cap: 150 days for Literacy/GED program BOP's DCEGT table caps educational good time credit for completing a Literacy/General Educational Development (GED) program at 150 days, based on a program enrollment of 30 months. Tags: policy,legal Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, 5884 002 - [confirmed] California credit forfeiture rules Milestone Completion Credit and Rehabilitative Achievement Credit may be forfeited in whole-day or whole-week increments upon a finding of guilt of a serious rule violation, but only after all Good Conduct Credit is exhausted, while Educational Merit Credit and Extraordinary Conduct Credit shall not be forfeited due to disciplinary action. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Proposition 57 (capcentral.org) - [reported] PIC benefit contingent on Parole Board approval GDC's PIC fact sheet states that offender benefits include 'Additional time earned-off sentence (contingent upon State Board of Pardons & Paroles approval).' Tags: policy,parole Sources: Performance Georgia (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] NC Earned Time Credit Level I North Carolina's Earned Time Credit Level I allows eligible offenders who perform qualifying work assignments or programs to receive three days per month deducted from their maximum sentence, requiring a minimum of four hours of unskilled or low level activity per day but no more than six hours per day. Tags: policy,legal Sources: State of North Carolina - [confirmed] BOP DCEGT: 5 days credit per month enrolled BOP's educational good time program for D.C. Code offenders (DCEGT) awards 5 days of credit for each month a prisoner was enrolled in a designated program, up to the maximum amount designated by the Bureau for that program type. Tags: policy,legal Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, 5884 002 - [confirmed] California Milestone Completion Credit increments California's Milestone Completion Credit regulation for CDCR provides that the credit shall be awarded in increments of not less than one week, but no more than twelve weeks in a twelve-month period. Tags: policy Sources: Proposition 57 (capcentral.org) - [reported] Louisiana CTRP credit maximum: up to 540 days total Individuals eligible for Certified Treatment and Rehabilitation Program (CTRP) credits in Louisiana can earn up to 360 days total earned credits toward reduction of the projected goodtime parole supervision date for program participation, plus an additional 180 days of CTRP credit for workforce development work release participation, for a possible total of 540 days of CTRP credit. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy,program Sources: Louisiana’s Justice Reinvestment Reforms, 2024 JRI Annual Report final - [reported] NC Earned Time Credit eligibility definition North Carolina DPS Prisons policy states Earned Time Credit is a sentence credit awarded to eligible offenders sentenced for crimes committed on or after October 1, 1994, except those sentenced on or after that date under G.S. 20-138.1 for impaired driving, and that eligible offenders are those who work full-time or participate in full-time programs rated for sentence credits that would assist their productive re-entry into the community. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: State of North Carolina - [confirmed] California Rehabilitative Achievement Credit rate California's Rehabilitative Achievement Credit regulation for CDCR provides one week of credit for every 52 hours of participation in approved rehabilitative activities, up to a maximum of four weeks of credit for 208 hours of participation in a twelve-month period. Tags: policy Sources: Proposition 57 (capcentral.org) - [confirmed] South Carolina caps earned work/education credits at 180 days per year (72 for no-parole) South Carolina Department of Corrections policy caps Earned Work Credits and/or Educational Credits at no more than 180 days awarded to an inmate during any 12-month period, and no more than 72 days during any 12-month period for inmates with "No Parole" sentences. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Scdc Policy (doc.sc.gov) - [reported] NC Earned Time ineligibility for assault on staff North Carolina DPS Prisons policy states that offenders found guilty of assault(s) on staff resulting in physical injury are subject to being made ineligible for future Earned Time Credit on their current period of incarceration, and that forfeiture of Earned Time Credits is facilitated through the disciplinary process. Tags: policy,violence,staffing Sources: State of North Carolina - [confirmed] California Educational Merit Credit schedule California's Educational Merit Credit schedule for CDCR awards 90 days of credit for a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency, and 180 days of credit each for the Offender Mentor Certification Program, an Associate of Arts or Science Degree, a Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree, or a Post-Graduate Degree. Tags: policy,reentry Sources: Proposition 57 (capcentral.org) - [confirmed] New Mexico: no earned meritorious deductions for first 60 days of serious violent offense New Mexico Corrections Department policy (CD-080400) provides that Earned Meritorious Deductions shall not be awarded for the first sixty days of incarceration for a serious violent offense. Tags: policy,legal Sources: CD-080400 Earned Meritorious Deductions Issued: 10/17/83 Reviewed: 03/09/26 - [reported] NC Earned Time Credit Level III North Carolina's Earned Time Credit Level III allows eligible offenders assigned to full time educational (academic or vocational) programs to receive nine days per month deducted from their maximum sentence. Tags: policy,legal Sources: State of North Carolina - [confirmed] California Extraordinary Conduct Credit California's Extraordinary Conduct Credit regulation allows the Director of CDCR's Division of Adult Institutions to award up to twelve months of credit to an inmate who performed a heroic act in a life-threatening situation or provided exceptional assistance maintaining the safety and security of a prison, with no credit awarded to an inmate sentenced to death or to life without the possibility of parole. Tags: policy Sources: Proposition 57 (capcentral.org) - [confirmed] South Carolina firearm-enhancement inmates ineligible for earned credits during enhancement period Under South Carolina Department of Corrections policy, inmates serving the mandatory five-year sentence for the possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime are not eligible to receive Earned Work Credits or Earned Education Credits for the period of incarceration served for the possession violation. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Scdc Policy (doc.sc.gov) - [reported] PIC SOP authority cites O.C.G.A. §§ 42-9-45 and 17-10-6.1 GDC Standard Operating Procedure 214.02 on the Performance Incentive Credit Program cites its authority as O.C.G.A. §§ 42-9-45 and 17-10-6.1. Tags: policy,legal,parole Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 214.02, Performance Incentive Credit Program (PIC) (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Parole Board Rule 475-3-.05 titled 'Parole Consideration' Georgia Parole Board Rule 475-3-.05 is titled 'Parole Consideration.' Tags: policy,parole Sources: Agency Rule | State Board of Pardons and Paroles - [confirmed] New Mexico: forfeited lump sum awards cannot be restored New Mexico Corrections Department policy provides that Lump Sum Awards of Earned Meritorious Deductions cannot be restored once forfeited. Tags: policy,legal Sources: CD-080400 Earned Meritorious Deductions Issued: 10/17/83 Reviewed: 03/09/26 - [reported] NC Earned Time Credit Level III instruction hours North Carolina's Earned Time Credit Level III rating for educational programs requires the offender to engage in not less than twenty-eight hours and not more than forty hours of instruction per week. Tags: policy,legal Sources: State of North Carolina - [confirmed] California Good Conduct Credit exclusion California's Good Conduct Credit regulation provides that no credit is awarded to an inmate sentenced to death or a term of life without the possibility of parole. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Proposition 57 (capcentral.org) - [reported] North Carolina earned program credits: up to 30 days per educational degree A South Carolina Sentencing Reform Oversight Committee handout comparing states' earned program credits states that North Carolina provides up to 30 days credit for each educational degree achieved, and 5, 15 or 30 days credit for completion of an apprentice program depending on the program, or 2 to 6 days per month for working full-time. Tags: policy,reentry Sources: Earned Credits: Program Completion - [confirmed] Texas parole: FI approval vote required for release; program completion may be a condition The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles states that an FI approval vote is required for release, and if the vote includes an additional number, the identified program must be completed prior to release. Tags: parole,policy,reentry Sources: Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles - Parole-Voted Programs - [reported] PIC Date defined as earlier than TPM or MRD GDC SOP 214.02 defines a Performance Incentive Credit (PIC) Date as a date earlier than the Tentative Parole Month (TPM) or Maximum Release Date (MRD) that the inmate may be considered for release. Tags: policy,parole Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 214.02, Performance Incentive Credit Program (PIC) (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] PIC program created by 1992 Georgia law Georgia's Performance Incentive Credit (PIC) program was created by a 1992 law passed by the Georgia Legislature, under which eligible inmates may have their Tentative Parole Month advanced a few months by satisfactory progress in education, treatment, and work programs during incarceration. Date: 1992-01-01 Tags: policy,parole,reentry Sources: Parole Consideration, Eligibility & Guidelines | State Board of Pardons and Paroles, parole consideration eligibility guidelines [2] - [confirmed] New Mexico: EMD caps of 4 days/month (violent) and 30 days/month (non-violent) New Mexico Corrections Department policy provides that Earned Meritorious Deductions shall not exceed four days per month for inmates convicted of a serious violent offense, and shall not exceed thirty days per month for inmates convicted of any crime not designated as a serious violent offense. Tags: policy,legal Sources: CD-080400 Earned Meritorious Deductions Issued: 10/17/83 Reviewed: 03/09/26 - [reported] NC misdemeanant Earned Time cap North Carolina's inmate rule book states that Earned Time may not reduce the inmate's sentence to less than the minimum term, and that misdemeanants (other than DWI) committed on or after October 1, 1994 may only receive up to 4 days Earned Time credit per month. Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: DC-239 (doc.state.nc.us) - [confirmed] California Good Conduct Credit default rate California's Good Conduct Credit regulation awards one day of credit for every day of incarceration, i.e. 50 percent, to an inmate not otherwise identified in the lower-rate paragraphs. Tags: policy Sources: Proposition 57 (capcentral.org) - [reported] PIC SOP excludes boot camp, death row, and life sentences GDC SOP 214.02 excludes Boot Camp Offenders, offenders under a death sentence, and offenders serving a life sentence with or without the possibility of parole from PIC eligibility. Tags: policy,parole Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 214.02, Performance Incentive Credit Program (PIC) (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] New Mexico: definition of 'active participant' for earning deductions New Mexico Corrections Department policy defines an 'active participant' as an inmate who has begun and is regularly engaged in approved programs. Tags: policy,legal Sources: CD-080400 Earned Meritorious Deductions Issued: 10/17/83 Reviewed: 03/09/26 - [reported] Parole Board conditions Tentative Parole Month on conduct and program completion A Parole Board webpage states that when the Board sends an inmate a notice of its decision, it emphasizes that any Tentative Parole Month is conditioned on good conduct in prison and sometimes successful completion of a drug, alcohol, sex-offender counseling program, or other pre-condition(s). Tags: parole,policy,drugs Sources: Parole Consideration, Eligibility & Guidelines | State Board of Pardons and Paroles, parole consideration eligibility guidelines [1] - [reported] Earned Time System terminated January 1, 1984 The Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation's FY1982-83 Biennial Report states that the Earned Time System terminates on January 1, 1984. Date: 1984-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Biennial report 1982-1983 - [reported] Earned Time System based on work and program participation; refusal means full sentence Under Georgia's Earned Time System, earning time off a sentence was based on work performance and participation in programs at the institution, and inmates who did not wish to participate in the Earned Time System could refuse, but would earn no time off their sentence and would serve it in its entirety without parole. Date: 1977-01-01 Tags: policy,parole Sources: Annual report 1977 - [confirmed] Texas state jail: judge may credit up to 20% for diligent participation, discretionary Under Texas's State Jail Diligent Participation Credit program, the sentencing judge may credit up to 20% of a state jail offender's sentence for days served while diligently participating in a program and not subject to disciplinary action, and the judge is not required to give credit for each or any day of diligent participation. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: State Jail Diligent Participation Credit - [confirmed] Alabama Executive Order 725 on good time standards Governor Kay Ivey signed Executive Order 725 to promote public safety by establishing standards and accountability for Correctional Incentive Time, better known as Good Time, and the order allows for uniform standards for loss of Good Time to be enforced. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Governor Ivey Issues Executive Order Reforming Correctional Incentive Time, Bolsters Public Safety - [reported] Oklahoma class-level earned credit schedule Under Oklahoma's earned-credit system, inmates assigned Class Level 1 earn 0 credits per month, Class Level 2 earn 22 credits per month, Class Level 3 earn 33 credits per month, Class Level 4 earn 44 credits per month, Enhanced Class Level 3 earn 45 credits per month, and Enhanced Class Level 4 earn 60 credits per month. Tags: policy,legal Sources: The Service of Sentences and Credit - [reported] BOP definition: FSA time credits accrue after term of imprisonment commences at designated facility The Bureau of Prisons defined when an eligible inmate begins earning FSA Time Credits: they start to accrue after the inmate's term of imprisonment commences, defined as the date the inmate arrives or voluntarily surrenders at the designated BOP facility where the sentence will be served. Tags: legal,policy Sources: United States Court of Appeals, 25 50315 CV0 - [confirmed] Utah: life-without-parole and Board-expired life sentences ineligible for earned time The Utah Department of Corrections states that individuals with a life without parole sentence, or who have been ordered to expire a life sentence by the Board, are not eligible for earned time credit, and the Board may order forfeiture of earned time credits for a major disciplinary infraction, new charges, or if the Board sets a rescission hearing. Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: Earned Time Credit Programs | UDC – Corrections - [reported] Ashland University partnership began FY2019 at three prisons GDC began a partnership with Ashland University in FY2019 to provide post-secondary education courses to offenders at Dooly State Prison, Smith State Prison, and Whitworth Women's Facility, with approximately 50 offenders at each site in the fall semester deemed eligible for the Federal Second Chance Pell Grant. Tags: reentry,policy,facilities Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2018 - [confirmed] Washington earned release time composition and caps The governor's investigative report describes Washington's 'earned release time' as consisting of both good time credit (awarded to inmates who stay out of trouble) and earned release time awarded to offenders who participate in approved programs, including work and school, and states that for most criminal offenses earned release time is capped at one-third of an offender's sentence, while for certain more serious offenses it is limited to ten or fifteen percent of the base sentence. Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: Investigative Report (governor.wa.gov) - [confirmed] CDCR two-tiered Good Conduct Credit system CDCR announced that the streamlined two-tiered Good Conduct Credit earning system established in its May 2021 regulations permits incarcerated people serving time for violent offenses to earn 33.3%, or 50% if they are serving time for nonviolent offenses. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Announces Changes to Good Conduct Credits, Staff Misconduct and Disciplinary Process - News Releases - [reported] Ashland University program expanded to three more prisons in January 2019 The Ashland University program expanded to Lee State Prison, Hancock State Prison, and Pulaski State Prison beginning the Spring Semester of January 2019. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy,facilities Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2018 - [confirmed] Washington: no good time or earned release on mandatory minimum sentences The governor's investigative report states that an offender is not eligible for either good conduct time or earned release time on a mandatory minimum or enhanced sentence, and that such a sentence must be served in its entirety, day for day. Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: Investigative Report (governor.wa.gov) - [confirmed] Earned Compliance Credits: 30 days per compliant month Louisiana's Earned Compliance Credits (ECC) were a diminution-of-sentence policy established under JRI Act 280 that awarded 30 days off an individual's supervision term for every full calendar month of compliance with supervision conditions, allowing a person to reduce their supervision term by up to half. Tags: policy,parole,reentry Sources: Louisiana’s Justice Reinvestment Reforms, 2023 JRI Annual Report Final 12.11.23 3.06pm - [reported] 1992 Legislature created PIC program The State Board of Pardons and Paroles' archived 'Parole Consideration & Eligibility' page states that in 1992 the Georgia Legislature passed a law creating an inmate performance incentive credit program (PIC), under which eligible inmates may have their Tentative Parole Month advanced a few months by satisfactory progress in education/treatment programs, work, and good behavior, with no limit on how much time can be added to a TPM for poor performance. Date: 1992-01-01 Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: Parole Consideration & Eligibility | State Board of Pardons and Paroles - [reported] Oklahoma cessation of Good Conduct Achievement Credit As of November 1, 2020, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections ceased awarding earned credits for good behavior to inmates outside the class level system, after ODOC's legal team identified a potential issue with the agency's authority to award credits under the Good Conduct Achievement Credit program, and the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office gave preliminary guidance that awarding the credits has no legal basis. Date: 2020-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: ODOC Ceases Certain Programs Awarding Credits - [reported] Four RSAT centers listed in FY2025 report GDC's Inmate Services Impact Report lists four Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Centers for Offenders: Coastal RSAT, Johnson RSAT (A), Johnson RSAT (B), and Pulaski RSAT. Tags: drugs,facilities,policy Sources: gdc.georgia.gov: inmate services impact report 2025 - [reported] Parole-eligible inmates excluded from PIC The archived Parole Board page lists life sentences, inmates with a TPM already set at one-third of sentence, inmates sentenced to two years or less, and inmates with no TPM set (parole denied) as categories of parole-eligible inmates not eligible for the Performance Incentive Credit program. Tags: policy,parole Sources: Parole Consideration & Eligibility | State Board of Pardons and Paroles - [reported] Oklahoma earned compliance credits recommendation The Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force's Final Report recommended establishing a system of earned compliance credits for supervised probationers and parolees complying with conditions and engaged in programming addressing criminogenic needs, with each month of compliance on supervision resulting in 30 days of credit. Tags: policy,parole,reentry Sources: Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force - [reported] TPM conditioned on good conduct and program completion The State Board of Pardons and Paroles' current 'Inmate TPM Lookup' page states that the Tentative Parole Month 'is conditioned on good conduct in prison, and possibly on successful completion of a drug, alcohol, or sex-offender counseling program, or other pre-condition.' Tags: policy,parole,drugs,mental_health Sources: Inmate TPM Lookup | State Board of Pardons and Paroles STATISTICS (126) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] South Carolina S. 1154 projected to reduce prison bed need by 1,786 over five years The Pew Center on the States' Public Safety Performance Project reported that South Carolina's S. 1154, the Omnibus Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act of 2010, was the result of more than a year of work by the South Carolina Sentencing Reform Commission, and that the Act reduces the need to build and operate new prison beds during the next five years by 1,786. Value: 1786.0 prison beds Date: 2010-01-01 Tags: policy,budget,facilities Sources: Issue Brief, pspp south carolina brief - [reported] FY2022 high school graduates and cumulative diplomas via Foothills Education Charter High School In FY2022, 49 high school attendees graduated, and since the program's inception in 2015 a total of 410 high school diplomas have been awarded by GDC through Foothills Education Charter High School. Value: 49.0 graduates (vs. 410 cumulative diplomas since 2015) Tags: reentry,policy,facilities Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2022 - [reported] Average length of stay rose 36% from 1990 to 2009 Pew found that the average length of stay for offenders released from prison in reporting states rose by 36 percent between 1990 and 2009, with offenders released in 2009 serving an average of almost three years in custody, nine months or 36 percent longer than offenders released in 1990. Value: 36.0 percent Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Time Served (prisonpolicy.org) - [reported] Virginia re-arrest rate range since FY2007 The Virginia State Crime Commission's presentation on Earned Sentence Credits reported that Virginia's re-arrest rate for State Responsible releases has remained consistent since FY2007, ranging from 53.4% to 57.3%. Value: 53.4 percent (vs. 57.3 upper bound of re-arrest rate range) Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: 8/31/2020 (vscc.virginia.gov) - [reported] FY2022 RSAT enrollments, completions, and completion rate GDC's FY2022 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Facilities section reports 2,078 enrollments, 1,573 completions, and an 89% overall completion rate. Value: 2078.0 enrollments (vs. 1573 completions) Tags: drugs,reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2022 - [reported] 70% of incarcerated adults wanted to enroll in academic programs NCES's PIAAC 2014 survey found that over two-thirds (70 percent) of incarcerated adults reported that they wanted to enroll in an academic class or program. Value: 70.0 percent Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Highlights from the U.S. PIAAC Survey - [reported] Louisiana: 5,185 releasing individuals earned CTRP credit in 2023 In Louisiana, the number of releasing individuals who earned Certified Treatment and Rehabilitation Program (CTRP) credit in 2023 was 5,185. Value: 5185.0 people Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy,program Sources: Louisiana’s Justice Reinvestment Reforms, 2024 JRI Annual Report final - [reported] BOP released over 35,000 people from federal prisons in 2021 In 2021, the Federal Bureau of Prisons released over 35,000 people from federal prisons in the U.S. after serving their sentences. Value: 35000.0 people released Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: reentry,operations Sources: United States Government Accountability Office, gao 23 105139 - [reported] Arkansas Protect Arkansas Act projected impact Arkansas DOC's population forecast projects a "Total Projected Impact" of 2,902 additional person-years of imprisonment from the Protect Arkansas Act's new felony sentencing categories. Value: 2902.0 person-years Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legislation,sentencing,budget Sources: media.ark.org: ADC Prison Pop Forecast Draft Nov 2025 FINAL - [reported] Virginia re-conviction rate range since FY2007 The Virginia State Crime Commission reported that Virginia's re-conviction rate for State Responsible releases has remained consistent since FY2007, ranging from 42.3% to 48.6%. Value: 42.3 percent (vs. 48.6 upper bound of re-conviction rate range) Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: 8/31/2020 (vscc.virginia.gov) - [reported] FY2022 Family Reunification Program graduates and Narcan kit distribution In FY2022, GDC's Family Reunification Program, a wraparound service under the RSAT Program, had 25 graduates return to their families and the community, and 300 Narcan kits were distributed to participants who successfully completed RSAT programs. Value: 25.0 graduates (vs. 300 Narcan kits distributed) Tags: drugs,overdose,reentry Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2022 - [reported] 25% of those wanting academic enrollment were on waiting lists Among incarcerated adults who wanted to enroll in academic classes or programs, 25 percent were on a waiting list for academic classes or programs of study in 2014. Value: 25.0 percent Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Highlights from the U.S. PIAAC Survey - [reported] Louisiana: average CTRP days earned by releasing individuals in 2023 was 227.9 days In Louisiana, the average number of CTRP (Certified Treatment and Rehabilitation Program) days earned by releasing individuals in 2023 was 227.9 days. Value: 227.9 days Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy,program Sources: Louisiana’s Justice Reinvestment Reforms, 2024 JRI Annual Report final - [reported] Approximately 45% of federal releasees re-arrested or returned within 3 years According to BOP, approximately 45 percent of people released from federal prison are re-arrested or return to a federal prison within 3 years of their release. Value: 45.0 percent Tags: reentry,recidivism Sources: United States Government Accountability Office, gao 23 105139 - [reported] South Carolina had highest violent crime rate in U.S. for seven years (2002-2008) The Pew Center on the States reported that South Carolina was the state with the highest violent crime rate in the country in 2008, a distinction held for seven years (2002-2008), and in addition the recidivism rate actually increased; of the inmates released in fiscal year 1999, 27.6 percent were returned. Value: 27.6 percent Tags: violence,reentry Sources: Issue Brief, pspp south carolina brief - [reported] Virginia re-incarceration rate range since FY2007 The Virginia State Crime Commission reported that Virginia's re-incarceration rate for State Responsible releases has remained consistent since FY2007, ranging from 22.4% to 26.1%. Value: 22.4 percent (vs. 26.1 upper bound of re-incarceration rate range) Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: 8/31/2020 (vscc.virginia.gov) - [reported] FY2023 program completions and GEDs earned In FY2023, GDC had 38,438 post-secondary, vocational, on-the-job training, and skills training program completions, an increase of 32.1% from FY2022, and 1,531 GEDs earned, an increase of 6.3% from FY2022. Value: 38438.0 completions (vs. 32.1 percent increase from FY2022) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: FY23 Annual Report - [reported] Louisiana: 45.8% of good-time releasing individuals earned CTRP credit in 2023 In Louisiana, 45.8 percent of good-time releasing individuals earned CTRP credit in 2023. Value: 45.8 percent Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy,program Sources: Louisiana’s Justice Reinvestment Reforms, 2024 JRI Annual Report final - [reported] New Jersey: parole releases 36% less likely to return to prison Pew's 'Max Out' report cites research finding that in New Jersey, inmates released to parole supervision before their sentences expired were 36 percent less likely to return to prison, even when controlling for risk factors such as prior record, than inmates who maxed out. Value: 36.0 percent Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: parole,reentry,legal Sources: A report from June 2014 - [reported] Average annual Virginia State Responsible releases since 2010 The Virginia State Crime Commission reported that since 2010, an average of 12,400 individuals are released from State Responsible incarceration each year. Value: 12400.0 people per year Tags: reentry,parole Sources: 8/31/2020 (vscc.virginia.gov) - [reported] FY2023 GEDs earned In FY2023, GDC reported 1,531 GEDs earned, an increase of 6.3% from FY2022. Value: 1531.0 GEDs (vs. 6.3 percent increase from FY2022) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: FY23 Annual Report - [reported] 14% on waiting list for job training programs Fourteen percent of incarcerated adults were on a waiting list for entering a job training program. Value: 14.0 percent Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Highlights from the U.S. PIAAC Survey - [reported] At least 35 states and federal system give good time credits At least 35 states, as well as the federal prison system, give good time credits, and in some states good time credits involve some element of achievement above and beyond mere good behavior. Value: 35.0 states Tags: legal,policy Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [reported] Virginia State Responsible releases in CY2019 During CY2019, 12,549 individuals were released from State Responsible incarceration in Virginia. Value: 12549.0 people Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: reentry,parole Sources: 8/31/2020 (vscc.virginia.gov) - [reported] FY2023 bachelor's and associate degrees awarded by institution In FY2023 GDC incarcerated students earned 38 Bachelor's degrees and 87 Associate's degrees through partnerships with three universities and one college: Ashland University (24 BA/61 AA), Georgia State University (9 AA), Life University (14 BA/11 AA), and Brewton-Parker College (6 AA). Value: 38.0 bachelor's degrees (vs. 87 associate degrees) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: FY23 Annual Report - [reported] 56 MGT Push releases returned to custody, 17 violent crime allegations When Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn halted the secret MGT Push early-release program, he acknowledged that 56 of the freed inmates were already back behind bars, 48 of them for violating parole rules, and an Associated Press review found at least 17 allegations of violent crimes among those returned to prison, including attempted murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault of a police officer. Value: 56.0 inmates (vs. 17 violent crime allegations) Tags: reentry,violence,parole Sources: Early-release inmates accused of violent crimes - [reported] National: max-out rate was 22% of all releases in 2012 Pew found the max-out rate, the proportion of prisoners released without receiving supervision, was more than 1 in 5, or 22 percent of all releases, in 2012. Value: 22.0 percent Date: 2012-01-01 Tags: parole,reentry,legal Sources: A report from June 2014 - [confirmed] BOP recidivism rate for 2015-2017 releases DOJ's First Step Act Annual Report states that the BOP's most recent Second Chance Act report, covering individuals released from 2015 to 2017, found a recidivism rate of 45%, a population released before the First Step Act of 2018. Value: 45.0 percent Tags: reentry,recidivism Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, First Step Act Annual Report April 2023 - [reported] Texas Justice Reinvestment saved $210.5 million in 2008-2009 biennium The Council of State Governments Justice Center reported that because the cost of increasing treatment and residential facility capacity was significantly less than TDCJ's original budget request for additional prison capacity, Texas saved $210.5 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal biennium. Value: 210.5 million dollars Tags: budget,policy,reentry Sources: Justice Reinvestment (csgjusticecenter.org) - [reported] Average total imposed sentence for Virginia CY2019 releases The Virginia State Crime Commission reported that individuals released from State Responsible incarceration during CY2019 served, on average, a total imposed sentence of 58 months. Value: 58.0 months Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: reentry,parole Sources: 8/31/2020 (vscc.virginia.gov) - [confirmed] Illinois 2024 EDSC exits: 1,080 individuals averaging 194.5 days In Illinois, for the period January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024, 1,080 individuals exited IDOC custody having been awarded an average of 194.5 days of Earned Discretionary Sentence Credit (EDSC). Value: 1080.0 individuals (vs. 194.5 average days EDSC) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,reentry,sentencing Sources: Illinois Department of Corrections - [reported] 24% of FSA early releases had not completed a single FSA program (FY2022-2024) Between fiscal years 2022 and 2024, 24 percent (9,819 of 41,548) of inmates who received FSA time credits resulting in their early release from BOP custody had not completed a single FSA program. Value: 24.0 percent Tags: policy,reentry,legal Sources: oig.justice.gov: 26 057 0 - [confirmed] FSA activity participation rate as of February 2023 As of February 28, 2023, 77.79% of individuals eligible to earn First Step Act time credits were taking part in any FSA activity. Value: 77.79 percent Date: 2023-02-28 Tags: policy,reentry Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, First Step Act Annual Report April 2023 - [reported] Median sentence for Virginia CY2019 releases The Virginia State Crime Commission reported that the median sentence for individuals released from State Responsible incarceration during CY2019 was 28 months. Value: 28.0 months Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: reentry,parole Sources: 8/31/2020 (vscc.virginia.gov) - [reported] Correctional education participants 28% less likely to recidivate Bozick et al.'s meta-analysis found that, when focusing on studies with the highest caliber research designs, inmates participating in correctional education programs were 28% less likely to recidivate when compared with inmates who did not participate. Value: 28.0 percent Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Does providing inmates with education improve postrelease outcomes? A meta-analysis of correctional education programs in the United States | Journal of Experimental Criminology | Springer Nature Link - [reported] 9,819 early releases without FSA program completion: average 3 years incarcerated, 5 unmet needs Of the inmates released early with applied FSA time credits despite not having completed a single FSA program between fiscal years 2022 and 2024, those 9,819 inmates were incarcerated for an average of 3 years and had an average of five unmet recidivism risk needs at the time of their early release. Value: 9819.0 inmates Tags: policy,reentry,legal Sources: oig.justice.gov: 26 057 0 - [confirmed] Increase in EBRR and PA participation since February 2022 Since February 2022, EBRR and PA participation had increased by 33.95%. Value: 33.95 percent Tags: policy,reentry Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, First Step Act Annual Report April 2023 - [reported] Pennsylvania RRRI evaluation listed as reducing recidivism 15.5 to 20.4 percent The Pennsylvania DOC's Recidivism Report table of recent program evaluations lists the Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive (RRRI), evaluated in January 2018, as reducing recidivism by 15.5 to 20.4 percent. Value: 15.5 percent (vs. 20.4 upper bound of recidivism reduction range) Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: 2022 Report (pa.gov) - [reported] DOJ: systemwide CO vacancy rate around 50% DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that staffing levels vary across the prisons, with correctional officer (CO) vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities. Value: 50.0 percent CO vacancy rate (vs. 70 percent vacancy at ten largest facilities) Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [confirmed] 17.4% of Act 280 releases returned to custody The Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that of the 49,404 inmates released under Act 280 good time changes, 8,603 (17.4%) returned to DOC custody between fiscal years 2018 and 2023, while 40,801 (82.6%) had not returned to DOC custody, and that inmates released based on JRI good time changes did not appear to return to custody at a higher rate than the overall return rate. Value: 17.4 percent Tags: reentry,recidivism,policy Sources: Justice Reinvestment, 00003c7d [1] - [reported] Pell Grant ban lift would increase employment by 4.7 percentage points Vera/Georgetown's Investing in Futures report estimated that lifting the Pell Grant ban for people in prison would increase state employment rates of formerly incarcerated workers who participated in a postsecondary program by 4.7 percentage points, or nearly 10 percent. Value: 4.7 percentage points Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Investing in Futures - [confirmed] Inmates released early without completing any FSA program The DOJ Office of the Inspector General found that between fiscal years 2022 and 2024, 24 percent (9,819 of 41,548) of inmates who received First Step Act time credits resulting in their early release from BOP custody had not completed a single FSA program. Value: 24.0 percent Tags: policy,reentry,investigations Sources: Evaluation of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Use of First Step Act Funding and Implementation of First Step Act Programs at Its Institutions - [reported] 24,297 offenders admitted with RRRI minimum since November 2008 Since November 2008, an estimated 24,297 offenders were admitted to PA DOC custody with a RRRI minimum sentence date, representing 26.9% of all new PA DOC admissions. Value: 24297.0 offenders (vs. 26.9 percent of all new PA DOC admissions) Tags: reentry,policy,demographics Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [reported] DOJ: 18 prisons over 60% CO vacancy in December 2023 DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that in December 2023, 18 GDC prisons had CO vacancy rates over 60%, and 10 of those were over 70%. Value: 18.0 prisons (vs. 10 prisons over 70% vacancy) Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [confirmed] 49,404 released under Act 280; 8,603 returned Of the 49,404 inmates released under Act 280 good time changes, 8,603 returned to DOC custody between fiscal years 2018 and 2023, while 40,801 had not returned. Value: 49404.0 inmates (vs. 8603 returned to custody) Tags: reentry,recidivism,policy Sources: Justice Reinvestment, 00003c7d [1] - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: postsecondary education reduces odds of recidivism by 48% Vera/Georgetown's report noted that the RAND meta-analysis found that, on average, the odds of recidivating are 48 percent less for those who take part in postsecondary education in prison, while also noting that self-selection bias may exist and affect the magnitude of results. Value: 48.0 percent Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Investing in Futures - [confirmed] BOP used FSA funds for free telephone calls The DOJ Office of the Inspector General found that the BOP used $258.7 million in First Step Act funds to reimburse itself for providing inmates with free telephone calls without clear authority to do so. Value: 258.7 million dollars Tags: budget,corruption,investigations Sources: Evaluation of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Use of First Step Act Funding and Implementation of First Step Act Programs at Its Institutions - [reported] 20,607 RRRI inmates released; 78 percent certified at RRRI minimum An estimated 20,607 RRRI sentenced inmates have been released from PA DOC custody, of whom 78% were certified by PA DOC as fulfilling the requirements for release at their RRRI minimum sentence. Value: 20607.0 inmates (vs. 78 percent certified at RRRI minimum) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [reported] FY2025 admissions highest grade level attained: Grade 12 or GED In GDC's FY2025 Inmate Statistical Profile of admissions, among reported male admissions 'Grade 12 or GED' was the highest grade level attained for 3,645 (50.3%), and among reported female admissions for 448 (50.34%). Value: 3645.0 male admissions (vs. 448 female admissions) Tags: demographics,reentry Sources: Profile of Inmate Adm FY 2025 - [reported] Expanding postsecondary education would decrease state incarceration costs by $365.8 million per year Vera/Georgetown's report estimated that expanding access to postsecondary education in prison, via lower recidivism rates, would decrease combined state incarceration costs by $365.8 million per year. Value: 365.8 million dollars Tags: budget,reentry,policy Sources: Investing in Futures - [confirmed] BOP over-reimbursed itself for telephone service The DOJ Office of the Inspector General found that the BOP reimbursed itself about $106 million in excess of the cost that the BOP calculated it had incurred for providing telephone service to inmates using First Step Act funds. Value: 106.0 million dollars Tags: budget,corruption,investigations Sources: Evaluation of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Use of First Step Act Funding and Implementation of First Step Act Programs at Its Institutions - [confirmed] RRRI-certified 5-year recidivism 45.9 percent vs 54.1 percent non-RRRI The 5-year overall recidivism rate for RRRI-certified inmates is 45.9% compared to 54.1% for non-RRRI inmates. Value: 45.9 percent (vs. 54.1 non-RRRI 5-year recidivism rate) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018; Pennsylvania Department of Corrections - [reported] CDCR recidivism success rates for credit earners According to CDCR's recidivism report, people who earned Educational Merit Credits while incarcerated succeeded on parole at a rate of 76.7 percent, and those who earned Rehabilitation Achievement Credits had an 81.5 percent success rate in reentry. Value: 76.7 percent (vs. 81.5 Rehabilitation Achievement Credit success rate) Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: CDCR FY2020-21 Recidivism Report - [reported] FY2025 admissions grade distribution: Grades 9-11 In GDC's FY2025 Inmate Statistical Profile of admissions, 8,136 total admissions had a reported highest grade level attained, with 692 at Grade 9, 932 at Grade 10, and 970 at Grade 11. Value: 8136.0 admissions Tags: demographics,reentry Sources: Profile of Inmate Adm FY 2025 - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: recidivism odds ratio 0.64 from 50 studies RAND's meta-analysis pooled 71 effect size estimates from 50 studies on recidivism outcomes, yielding an overall odds ratio of 0.64. Value: 0.64 odds ratio Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [reported] 29,944 released early under FSA as of January 28, 2023; 3,722 recidivated As of January 28, 2023, 29,944 individuals had been released early from BOP custody due to earned time credits pursuant to the First Step Act, of whom 3,722 had recidivated (were either rearrested or returned to BOP custody). Value: 29944.0 individuals (vs. 3722 recidivated) Date: 2023-01-28 Tags: reentry,recidivism,policy Sources: This is archived content from the U.S. Department of Justice website. The information here may be - [reported] FY2024 CTHE certificates and diplomas and degrees awarded In FY2024, GDC's Career, Technical, and Higher Education programs achieved 95% of facilities statewide exceeding their goals, resulting in offenders receiving almost 46,000 certificates and diplomas, and 80 associate degrees and 60 bachelor's degrees were awarded to offenders. Value: 46000.0 certificates and diplomas (vs. 95 percent of facilities exceeding goals) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2024 - [reported] Marginal increase in remaining sentence reduces recidivism probability by 0.16 percentage points Drago, Galbiati and Vertova found that a marginal increase in the remaining sentence reduces the probability of recidivism by 0.16 percentage points (1.3 percent), meaning one month less time served in prison commuted into one month more in expected sentence significantly reduced former inmates' propensity to recommit a crime. Value: 0.16 percentage points Tags: reentry,policy Sources: The Deterrent Effects of Prison: Evidence from a Natural Experiment - [reported] Of FSA early releasees who recidivated: 2,757 rearrested, 929 revoked Of the FSA early releasees who recidivated, 2,757 individuals were rearrested but did not return to BOP custody, while 929 individuals were revoked. Value: 2757.0 individuals rearrested (vs. 929 revoked) Date: 2023-01-28 Tags: reentry,recidivism Sources: This is archived content from the U.S. Department of Justice website. The information here may be - [estimated] RRRI estimated prison population reduction of 1,190 inmates RRRI has resulted in an estimated prison population reduction of 1,190 inmates in Pennsylvania. Value: 1190.0 inmates Tags: reentry,policy,budget Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [reported] CDCR recidivism rate for parole hearing releases CDCR reported that people released after a parole hearing who benefit from Proposition 57 rehabilitative programming have a recidivism rate of 2% for new felony convictions. Value: 2.0 percent Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: CDCR FY2020-21 Recidivism Report - [reported] GDC awarded 3,017 GEDs in FY2018, surpassing goal of 3,000 GDC awarded 3,017 GEDs in FY2018, surpassing its goal of 3,000. Value: 3017.0 GEDs (vs. 3000 goal) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2018 - [reported] FY2024 GEDs awarded and share of statewide GEDs In FY2024, GDC awarded 1,493 general equivalency diplomas (GED), of which 140 graduates qualified as neglected and delinquent under Title I, and 20% of all GEDs earned in Georgia during FY24 were earned by offenders in GDC facilities. Value: 1493.0 GEDs (vs. 20 percent of statewide GEDs) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2024 - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: employment odds ratio 1.13 (95% CI 1.07-1.20) RAND's meta-analysis found that the odds of obtaining employment postrelease among inmates receiving correctional education are 13 percent higher than the odds of obtaining employment postrelease among inmates not receiving correctional education, with a 95 percent confidence interval of 1.07 to 1.20. Value: 1.13 odds ratio Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [reported] 78.19% of eligible BOP population participating in FSA activity as of April 29, 2023 As of April 29, 2023, 78.19% of the BOP population eligible to earn time credits were taking part in an FSA activity. Value: 78.19 percent Date: 2023-04-29 Tags: policy,reentry Sources: This is archived content from the U.S. Department of Justice website. The information here may be - [reported] GDC's FY2018 GEDs were 28% of all Georgia GEDs GDC's 3,017 FY2018 GEDs were 28% of all GEDs awarded in the state of Georgia. Value: 28.0 percent Tags: reentry Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2018 - [reported] FY2024 CTHE completions breakdown GDC's FY2024 CTHE Completions totaled 45,754, comprising 19,292 On-The-Job Training, 2,960 Post-Secondary, 19,080 Skills Trainings, and 4,422 Vocational completions. Value: 45754.0 completions Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2024 - [reported] RAND: average direct cost of correctional education per inmate $1,400-$1,744 RAND estimated that the average direct cost of correctional education programs per inmate participant was between $1,400 and $1,744. Value: 1400.0 dollars (vs. 1744 upper bound) Tags: reentry,program,budget Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [reported] Louisiana: 26.8% of releases overdetained Jan-Apr 2022; cost at least $850,000 The U.S. Department of Justice's investigation found that between January and April 2022, 26.8% of all people released from Louisiana DPSC/LDOC custody were overdetained, and in that four-month period the cost of overdetention to LDOC was at least $850,000. Value: 26.8 percent (vs. 850000 cost in dollars) Tags: legal,reentry,budget Sources: Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections - [reported] New York: Merit Time releases 7.5 points less likely to return within 3 years The NYC Comptroller's Office estimated that individuals released from prison under New York's Merit Time program are 7.5 percentage points less likely to have returned to prison within three years. Value: 7.5 percentage points Tags: reentry,parole,legal Sources: comptroller.nyc.gov: Economic and Fiscal Benefits of Earned Time Act 1 - [reported] GDC had 9,890 on-the-job training and vocational completions in FY2018 GDC had 9,890 on-the-job training and vocational program completions in FY2018, an increase of more than 3,000 completions from the previous year. Value: 9890.0 completions (vs. 3000 increase from previous year) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2018 - [reported] WSIPP: felony recidivism decreased 3.5 percent for early release offenders WSIPP found that over the three-year follow-up, the felony recidivism rate of early release offenders under Washington's increased earned release law was decreased by 3.5 percent compared with similar offenders who stayed in prison 63 days longer. Value: 3.5 percent decrease Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: Washington State (wsipp.wa.gov) - [reported] Statewide Georgia GEDs earned in FY2024 GDC's FY2024 Inmate Services Impact Report states that the entire state of Georgia had 7,677 GEDs earned in FY24, including technical colleges, Department of Juvenile Justice and others. Value: 7677.0 GEDs Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2024 - [estimated] New York: Earned Time Act projected 12,000 sentence reductions, 49,000 years freed The NYC Comptroller's Office estimated that under New York's proposed Earned Time Act, 12,000 individuals will earn sentence reductions, gaining in aggregate 49,000 years free from prison. Value: 12000.0 individuals (vs. 49000 aggregate years free from prison) Tags: legal,budget,reentry Sources: comptroller.nyc.gov: Economic and Fiscal Benefits of Earned Time Act 1 - [confirmed] Average time served under FSA vs. pre-FSA A Council on Criminal Justice report found that individuals released under the First Step Act in 2023 served an average of 82.1 percent of their imposed prison terms, compared to 89.7 percent for similar individuals released before the FSA. Value: 82.1 percent (vs. 89.7 pre-FSA average percent of sentence served) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: First Step Act Linked to Modest Reductions in Time Served by Federal Prisoners - [reported] California failed to meet rehabilitative needs for 62% of at-risk releases The California State Auditor found that Corrections (CDCR) had neither consistently placed inmates on waiting lists for needed rehabilitation programs nor prioritized those with the highest need correctly, contributing to Corrections' failure to meet any of the rehabilitative needs for 62 percent of the inmates released in fiscal year 2017-18 who had been assessed as at risk to recidivate. Value: 62.0 percent Tags: reentry,policy,data_gap Sources: California Department (information.auditor.ca.gov) - [reported] Pew: $10 billion cost of additional time Pew found that for offenders released from state prisons in 2009, the additional time behind bars relative to their original commitment cost states over $10 billion, with more than half of this cost attributable to nonviolent offenders. Value: 10.0 billion dollars Date: 2009-01-01 Tags: budget,reentry Sources: Time Served (pew.org) - [reported] RSAT program had more than 2,500 graduates in FY2018 GDC's Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program had more than 2,500 graduates in FY2018, with a completion rate that increased by six percent over the prior three fiscal years, within almost 2,500 RSAT beds. Value: 2500.0 graduates Tags: drugs,reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2018 - [reported] FY2025 GEDs earned and share of statewide GEDs In FY2025, GDC's Academic Education programming resulted in 1,395 GEDs earned, representing 18% of the total GEDs awarded statewide, with a 14.93% increase in the GED Math passing rate. Value: 1395.0 GEDs (vs. 18 percent of statewide GEDs) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: gdc.georgia.gov: inmate services impact report 2025 - [estimated] New York: Earned Time Act projected $494 million in wages for 6,100 returning individuals The NYC Comptroller's Office estimated that under the proposed Earned Time Act, 6,100 returning individuals will gain employment, earning $494 million in wages over the time they would have been held in prison. Value: 494.0 million dollars (vs. 6100 returning individuals gaining employment) Tags: budget,reentry,legal Sources: comptroller.nyc.gov: Economic and Fiscal Benefits of Earned Time Act 1 - [confirmed] Distribution of release date advancements under FSA A Council on Criminal Justice report found that in 2023, 92 percent of individuals released under the First Step Act had their release dates moved up by less than a year, with 41 percent seeing advancements of under three months, and only 5 percent experiencing larger advancements. Value: 92.0 percent Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: First Step Act Linked to Modest Reductions in Time Served by Federal Prisoners - [reported] Alabama good time reduction: 1,350 days to 225 days over two years Based on Alabama's previous good-time law, a perfectly behaved incarcerated individual could be expected to earn 1,350 days of incentive time; under the newly enacted structure, the same inmate would earn just 225 days of incentive time in two years. Value: 225.0 days (vs. 1350 previous days earned) Tags: legal,policy Sources: Ivey signs "good time" bill into law - [reported] 19,517 offenders admitted with RRRI minimum, 27.2 percent of admissions The PA DOC's RRRI annual report found that, since November 2008, an estimated 19,517 offenders were admitted to PA DOC custody with a RRRI minimum sentence date, representing 27.2% of all new PA DOC admissions. Value: 19517.0 offenders (vs. 27.2 percent of all new PA DOC admissions) Tags: reentry,policy,demographics Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Corrections - [reported] California OIG release date errors The California Office of the Inspector General found that since 2004, CDCR has released approximately 2,300 incarcerated people from custody either early or late, resulting in litigation against the department. Value: 2300.0 people Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: oig.ca.gov: Audit of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations Release Date Calculations Fact Sheet - [reported] Only 38% of assessed-need inmates completed or were assigned a program The California State Auditor found that among inmates assessed as having rehabilitative needs, only 9,000, or 38 percent, completed or were assigned to a program at some point between October 2014 and the date the inmate was released from prison, meaning 62 percent of the inmates released in fiscal year 2017-18 who had been assessed as having rehabilitative needs and a risk of recidivating were released without any of these needs having been met. Value: 38.0 percent Tags: reentry,policy,data_gap Sources: California Department (information.auditor.ca.gov) - [reported] FY2018 cognitive programming: 55,989 enrolled, 37,099 completions In FY2018, 55,989 inmates enrolled in Cognitive Programming courses and there were 37,099 completions in 13 different Cognitive Programming courses. Value: 55989.0 enrollees (vs. 37099 completions) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2018 - [reported] FY2025 CTHE completions breakdown GDC's FY2025 Career, Technical and Higher Education Completions totaled 41,930, comprising 20,137 On-The-Job Training, 402 GCI On-The-Job Training, 2,356 Post-Secondary, 15,130 Skills Trainings, 4,307 Vocational, 31 Associate Degrees, and 12 Bachelor Degrees. Value: 41930.0 completions Tags: reentry,policy Sources: gdc.georgia.gov: inmate services impact report 2025 - [reported] Florida education program recommitment reduction An OPPAGA report states that Florida Department of Corrections data for Fiscal Year 1995-96 through Fiscal Year 2000-01 shows an over 14% reduction in recommitment rates for inmates earning GED diplomas or completing substance abuse programs, and a 24% reduction in recommitment for inmates who received vocational certificates. Value: 14.0 percent reduction (vs. 24 percent reduction for vocational certificates) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Progress Report (oppaga.fl.gov) - [reported] FY2025 total academic completions breakdown GDC's FY2025 Total Academic Completions were 4,540, comprising Literacy/Remedial Reading 366, Adult Education 1,213, Foothills High School 16, GED Prep 1,550, and GED Testing 1,395. Value: 4540.0 completions Tags: reentry,policy Sources: gdc.georgia.gov: inmate services impact report 2025 - [reported] CDCR in-prison rehabilitation budget rose from $234M to $298M The California State Auditor found that CDCR's budget for in-prison rehabilitation programs increased from $234 million in fiscal year 2013-14 to $298 million in fiscal year 2018-19. Value: 298.0 million dollars (vs. 234 FY2013-14 rehabilitation budget (million dollars)) Tags: budget,policy Sources: California Department (information.auditor.ca.gov) - [reported] Academic Education reconviction reduction versus cost-neutral benchmark GDC's Inmate Services Impact Report states that three-year felony reconviction fell from 30.08% in the general population to 22.58% among program participants in Academic Education programming, nearly three times the 1.9 to 2.6 percentage point improvement needed for programs to be cost-neutral for taxpayers. Value: 22.58 percent reconviction (vs. 30.08 percent general population reconviction) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: gdc.georgia.gov: inmate services impact report 2025 - [reported] Count of states with sentence credits NCSL's brief on sentence credits states that at least 42 states have sentence credits in place, with at least 33 states having statutorily established good time policies and 34 states having earned time laws. Value: 42.0 states (vs. 33 states with good time policies) Tags: policy,legal Sources: State Approaches to Sentence Credits: Earned and Good Time Laws - [reported] 2023 meta-analysis: prison education raises employment 1 point, earnings $700 The NYC Comptroller's office cited a 2023 meta-analysis reviewing dozens of prison education programs finding that programming increases the portion of people employed after release by 1 percentage point and increases their average annual earnings by $700. Value: 1.0 percentage points (vs. 700 average annual earnings increase in dollars) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,legal Sources: Economic Benefits of the Earned Time Act - Office of the New York City Comptroller - [confirmed] Number of individuals released with FSA credits in 2023 The U.S. Sentencing Commission received data from the Federal Bureau of Prisons on 18,009 individuals who were released from FBOP custody in calendar year 2023 after they earned and applied First Step Act time credits. Value: 18009.0 individuals Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: U.S. Sentencing Commission First Step Act Data Snapshot, December 2024 - [reported] Tennessee fiscal note: $40,693,100 increased incarceration expenditures A Tennessee fiscal note projected that a truth-in-sentencing bill would increase state expenditures by $40,693,100 for incarceration. Value: 40693100.0 USD Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: budget,legal Sources: Bill Information - Tennessee General Assembly - [reported] 59.6% of CDCR releases earned at least one Prop 57 enhanced credit Over half of individuals released by CDCR in a recent release cohort (59.6 percent) earned at least one of the three Proposition 57 enhanced credit earning types (EMC, MCC, or RAC). Value: 59.6 percent (vs. 57.7 share earning credit in FY2018-19 cohort (percent)) Tags: policy,reentry Sources: CDCR FY2019-20 Recidivism Report - [reported] FY2019: more than 3,000 high school diplomas and equivalencies awarded In FY2019 GDC's Academic Education Unit exceeded its goal by awarding more than 3,000 high school diplomas and equivalencies. Value: 3000.0 diplomas/equivalencies Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Georgia Department (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] States with one-time versus ongoing program credits NCSL's brief states that at least 10 states provide earned-time credits based on completion of a program that can only be earned once, while another 14 states provide credits on an ongoing basis for program participation, and at least seven states have both opportunities. Value: 10.0 states (vs. 14 states with ongoing program credits) Tags: policy,legal Sources: State Approaches to Sentence Credits: Earned and Good Time Laws - [reported] As of January 27, 2024: 6,875 in RRC/home confinement via FSA credits; ~32,508 in custody expected earlier release As of January 27, 2024, an estimated 6,875 individuals had been placed in an RRC or home confinement with a projected release method based on the application of earned time credits, and approximately 32,508 individuals currently in secured custody were expected to receive an earlier release date or transfer to prerelease custody based on the application of earned time credits. Value: 6875.0 individuals (vs. 32508 individuals in secured custody expected earlier release) Date: 2024-01-27 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, first step act annual report june 2024 - [confirmed] Drug trafficking offense rate among FSA credit recipients vs. ineligible The U.S. Sentencing Commission found that individuals who applied FSA time credits were twice as likely to have been serving a sentence for a drug trafficking offense as compared to statutorily ineligible individuals, 57.0% versus 29.6%. Value: 57.0 percent (vs. 29.6 percent of ineligible individuals with drug trafficking offense) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: drugs,reentry,policy Sources: U.S. Sentencing Commission First Step Act Data Snapshot, December 2024 - [reported] Three-year conviction rate 35.8% for credit earners vs 44.0% for non-earners CDCR found that the three-year conviction rate for individuals with Proposition 57 enhanced credit earnings (35.8 percent) was 8.2 percentage points lower than the rate for individuals with no enhanced credit earnings (44.0 percent), with the credit-earner rate having decreased by 3.4 percentage points from 39.2 percent between release cohorts. Value: 35.8 percent (vs. 44.0 three-year conviction rate for non-credit earners (percent)) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: CDCR FY2019-20 Recidivism Report - [reported] FY2019 cognitive programming: 74,457 enrolled, 51,987 completed In FY2019, 74,457 GDC inmates were enrolled in cognitive programming due to assessed need, and 51,987 completed an identified needs-based cognitive program. Value: 74457.0 enrollees (vs. 51987 completions) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Georgia Department (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] About 3% of Washington releases given excessive good time credits About 3% of all Washington releases were given excessive 'good time' credits, according to officials. Value: 3.0 percent of releases Tags: corruption,legal,operations Sources: 3,200 inmates mistakenly released early in Washington | CNN - [reported] FY2019 academic completions and diplomas/equivalencies In FY2019, GDC reported 9,665 academic completions including Literacy/Remedial Reading, Adult and Basic Education, and high school diploma and equivalent courses, and 3,021 students earned high school diplomas and equivalencies. Value: 9665.0 academic completions (vs. 3021 students earning diplomas/equivalencies) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2019 - [reported] JRI projected 10% population reduction, $262M savings The Louisiana Governor's office projected the Justice Reinvestment package would reduce the prison population by 10% and save $262 million over the next decade, with 70% of these savings, an estimated $184 million, reinvested into programs and policies proven to reduce recidivism and support crime victims. Value: 262.0 million dollars (vs. 184 reinvested (million dollars)) Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: budget,policy,reentry Sources: Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Package - [reported] BOP general male recidivism tool: 9.6% minimum-risk vs 77.5% high-risk recidivated in 3 years In BOP's general male recidivism tool, 9.6 percent of those rated as minimum-risk recidivated during the three-year follow-up period, compared to 77.5 percent in the high-risk group. Value: 9.6 percent (vs. 77.5 high-risk recidivism percent) Tags: recidivism,policy Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, first step act annual report june 2024 - [confirmed] Average FSA time credits earned by study cohort The U.S. Sentencing Commission found that 17,465 individuals in its FSA release study earned 10.3 months of First Step Act time credits on average, accounting for 16.9% of their imposed sentences, and on average earned 7.4 months of credits toward early placement onto supervised release, accounting for 14.2% of their imposed sentences. Value: 10.3 months Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: U.S. Sentencing Commission First Step Act Data Snapshot, December 2024 - [reported] Median 49 days early for mistakenly released Washington inmates The median number of days that Washington inmates were mistakenly released early is 49 days, officials said. Value: 49.0 days Tags: corruption,legal,operations Sources: 3,200 inmates mistakenly released early in Washington | CNN - [reported] Faith and Character Based program reconviction rates GDC's Annual Report states that the reconviction rates for offenders who completed the Faith and Character Based program were 8.85% at a 3-year rate and 13.65% at a 5-year rate for all facilities providing the program. Value: 8.85 percent 3-year reconviction (vs. 13.65 percent 5-year reconviction) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2019 - [reported] Utah incarceration days reduced by earned time NCSL's brief states that Utah's earned time policy for completion of programs resulted in a decrease of 106,578 incarceration days after the first year of implementation in 2016, and more than 54,000 days cut in each of the four subsequent fiscal years. Value: 106578.0 incarceration days (vs. 54000 days cut in each subsequent fiscal year) Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: policy,budget Sources: State Approaches to Sentence Credits: Earned and Good Time Laws - [reported] Over 800 inmates in county jails awaiting PDC beds Pew's Georgia Public Safety Reform brief states that the state had more than 800 inmates housed in county jails awaiting beds at Probation Detention Centers (PDC). Value: 800.0 inmates Tags: facilities,operations,budget Sources: Issue Brief (pew.org) - [reported] Mississippi 274 unnecessary parole hearings in 2019 PEER found that during 2019, Mississippi's State Parole Board conducted 274 unnecessary parole hearings for offenders who met the standards of presumptive parole authorized by Miss. Code Ann. § 47-7-18, a provision created by House Bill 585 of the 2014 Regular Session. Value: 274.0 hearings Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: parole,legal,policy Sources: Report to the Mississippi Legislature - [confirmed] Average FSA credits for dual-eligible group The U.S. Sentencing Commission found that 6,858 individuals in its FSA release study earned credits toward both early placement onto supervised release and early placement into prerelease custody, earning 18.5 months of FSA time credits on average, accounting for 18.4% of their imposed sentences. Value: 18.5 months Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: U.S. Sentencing Commission First Step Act Data Snapshot, December 2024 - [reported] FY2021 RSAT enrollments 1,586 with 89% completion rate GDC's FY2021 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Facilities section reports an ENROLLMENTS figure of 1,586 and an 89% COMPLETION RATE. Value: 1586.0 enrollments (vs. 89 completion rate (percent)) Tags: drugs,reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services (gdc.georgia.gov) - [estimated] RSAT program size: almost 2,500 beds GDC's mandated Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program is one of the largest in the country, with almost 2,500 beds. Value: 2500.0 beds Tags: drugs,facilities,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2020 - [confirmed] Kentucky 2022 recidivism rate 27.15%, historic low Kentucky's 2022 recidivism rate declined to 27.15%, a historic low for the second year in a row, following a decrease from 44.56% to 43.00% in 2017. Value: 27.15 percent (vs. 44.56 2017 rate) Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: reentry,parole,trend Sources: KRS 439.3103 (corrections.ky.gov) - [estimated] Approximately 750 inmates in county jails awaiting RSAT beds Pew's Georgia Public Safety Reform brief states that approximately 750 inmates were in county jails awaiting beds at Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) programs. Value: 750.0 inmates Tags: facilities,operations,drugs,medical Sources: Issue Brief (pew.org) - [reported] BOP Second Chance Act FY2023 report: 45% recidivism for FY2016-2018 releases (pre-FSA population) DOJ's First Step Act Annual Report states that the BOP's most recent Second Chance Act report captures recidivism by fiscal year for a rolling three-year period of recently released individuals, with the FY 2023 report using releases from FY 2016 through FY 2018 and a recidivism rate of 45 percent, tied to a population released before the First Step Act of 2018. Value: 45.0 percent Tags: recidivism,policy Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, first step act annual report june 2024 - [confirmed] Federal prisoners cited for prohibited acts 2018-2022 BJS data show that the total number of federal prisoners cited for prohibited acts that resulted in reductions in rewards, incentives, or time credits was 55,361 in 2018, 54,848 in 2019, 45,838 in 2020, 47,000 in 2021, and 50,126 in 2022. Tags: policy,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, fpscufsa23 - [reported] Virginia: DOC projected 8,000 prisoners would lose expanded credit eligibility During debate on the Virginia budget amendment, a DOC spokesperson said a total of 8,000 prisoners would become ineligible for expanded earned sentence credits if the budget amendment passed. Value: 8000.0 prisoners Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Virginia Swipes Sentence Credits From 560 Prisoners Just About to Get Out - [reported] FY2022: 1,450 GEDs awarded, 8% of national GEDs In FY2022, GDC awarded 1,450 General Equivalency Diplomas (GED), accounting for 8% of the GEDs earned nationwide. Value: 1450.0 GEDs (vs. 8 percent of national GEDs) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2022 - [reported] KPMG audit of Kentucky educational good time cost $28 million; 78% of errors after class action The KPMG audit of Kentucky's educational good time credit system cost the state $28 million, and 78% of the errors that auditors found occurred after the class-action was filed, putting the Department of Corrections on notice of the problem. Value: 28.0 million dollars (vs. 78 percent of errors after suit) Tags: legal,budget,investigations Sources: Kentucky’s Failure to Timely Release Prisoners Costs Taxpayers $30 Million (So Far) - [estimated] Prison population more than doubled since 1990 to nearly 56,000 Pew's Georgia Public Safety Reform brief states that since 1990 Georgia's prison population more than doubled to nearly 56,000 inmates, and the state spends more than $1 billion annually on corrections. Value: 56000.0 inmates Tags: demographics,budget,facilities Sources: Issue Brief (pew.org) - [reported] FY2022 CTHE: 29,091 certificates, exceeding 25,000 goal by 16.3% In FY2022, GDC's Career, Technical and Higher Education program exceeded its goal of 25,000 career completions by more than 16.3%, for a total of 29,091 certificates achieved. Value: 29091.0 certificates (vs. 25000 goal) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Inmate Services Impact Report 2022 - [reported] KPMG audit found over 3,600 affected Kentucky prisoners after 150+ visits over 30 months A Kentucky Department of Corrections class-action lawsuit over educational good time credit miscalculations led to a court-ordered independent audit by KPMG; after more than 150 visits to Kentucky jails and prisons over 30 months, auditors found over 3,600 affected prisoners. Value: 3600.0 prisoners (vs. 150 visits) Tags: legal,investigations,reentry Sources: Kentucky’s Failure to Timely Release Prisoners Costs Taxpayers $30 Million (So Far) - [estimated] Three-year felony reconviction rate near 30 percent Pew's Georgia Public Safety Reform brief states that the proportion of inmates reconvicted of a felony within three years of release remained at nearly 30 percent during the past decade. Value: 30.0 percent Tags: reentry,parole Sources: Issue Brief (pew.org) FINDINGS (48) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] California, West Virginia, Wyoming most expansive credit earners The Vera Institute's national survey found that California, West Virginia, and Wyoming offer the most expansive time credit-earning opportunities, significantly exceeding the 15 percent federal suggested cap. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Summary of National Survey of States' Earned and Good Time Earning Options, Focusing on States That Have Few Offense-Based Exclusions | Vera Institute - [reported] Arkansas Protect Arkansas Act sentencing proportions Arkansas DOC's population forecast states that Act 659, known as the Protect Arkansas Act, will increase proportions of time served in prison for selected felony offenses to either 100% or 85% of total sentence, whereas offenders in these categories were previously serving 70% of total sentences, 1/2 of total sentence minus applicable goodtime, or 1/3 of sentence. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legislation,sentencing Sources: media.ark.org: ADC Prison Pop Forecast Draft Nov 2025 FINAL - [reported] Highlighted states all exceed 15% sentence reduction The Vera Institute's national survey found that the highlighted states span high-percentage reductions, monthly accrual systems, tiered classifications, and blended program-based models, yet all provide meaningful opportunities for eligible people to reduce their sentences by more than 15 percent. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Summary of National Survey of States' Earned and Good Time Earning Options, Focusing on States That Have Few Offense-Based Exclusions | Vera Institute - [reported] HB 894 Georgia Second Look Act sponsors and purpose Georgia House Bill 894, 'Georgia Second Look Act; enact,' lists Scott Holcomb (101st District) and Shaw Blackmon (146th District) as sponsors, and its First Reader Summary describes it as 'A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to procedure for sentencing and imposition of punishment, so as to authorize the sentencing court to review and resentence certain cases where the punishment of life without parole was imposed.' Tags: legal,policy,sentencing Sources: Georgia General Assembly, 71938 - [reported] Oregon evaluation finds earned time variation does not affect recidivism Oregon's Criminal Justice Commission evaluation of changes to earned time awards found that in each regression model the coefficient was statistically insignificant, supporting the conclusion that earned time variation does not affect recidivism; this confirmed Chi Squared Analysis findings where a majority of tests showed no difference in recidivism rates across earned time groups. Tags: reentry,policy,legal Sources: The Effect of Changes to Earned Time Awards - [reported] Illinois gubernatorial review: MGT Push was a mistake The official Illinois review commissioned by Governor Pat Quinn concluded that the MGT Push program was a mistake, that although focused on reducing costs during a fiscal crisis, it failed to accomplish the overriding goals of the State's Code of Corrections of protecting the public's safety and restoring inmates to useful citizenship. Date: 2010-01-01 Tags: policy,reentry,investigations Sources: prisonlegalnews.org: illinois good time report august 2010 - [reported] GA SB586 title: parole procedures when denied after prerequisites A Georgia bill tracked as GA SB586 is titled 'Grants of Pardons, Paroles, and Other Relief; procedures when a person is denied parole after completing certain prerequisites; provide.' Tags: legal,parole Sources: GA SB586 | BillTrack50 - [reported] Illinois MGT Push released hundreds early, including over 100 violent offenders after as few as 11 days Illinois's MGT Push program resulted in the earlier release of hundreds of inmates, including more than 100 serving sentences for violent offenses, after as few as 11 days in DOC custody, contrary to the department's historical practice of requiring at least 60 days before awarding Meritorious Good Time credit. Tags: policy,reentry,violence Sources: prisonlegalnews.org: illinois good time report august 2010 - [reported] BOP staff: people can remain on FSA program waitlists for years GAO reported that BOP facility staff and union officials said incarcerated people could remain on waitlists for First Step Act recidivism-reduction programs for years, and that people with longer sentences would have a harder time getting into programs because priority is given to those closer to release. Tags: policy,reentry,operations Sources: United States Government Accountability Office, gao 23 105139 - [reported] Illinois MGT Push secretly altered 61-day policy and awarded credit on arrival Under Illinois's MGT Push early-release program, a Corrections policy change required inmates to stay only a minimum of 61 days was secretly altered, and inmates were given as much as six months' time off for good conduct as soon as they arrived, before they had a chance to display any conduct. Tags: policy,corruption,reentry Sources: Early-release inmates accused of violent crimes - [reported] Prior BOP program evaluations lacked scientific rigor; little research on effectiveness GAO reported that prior evaluations of BOP educational programs drew conclusions based on evidence that lacked scientific rigor, and that little research exists on whether select BOP recidivism-reduction programs are effective in reducing recidivism. Tags: policy,reentry,methodology Sources: United States Government Accountability Office, gao 23 105139 - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: correctional education associated with 43% lower odds of recidivism RAND's meta-analysis found that, on average, inmates who participated in correctional education programs had 43 percent lower odds of recidivating than inmates who did not, translating into a reduction in the risk of recidivating of 13 percentage points. Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [reported] Walker State Prison as staffing and violence exception At Walker State Prison, more robust programming alongside more manageable staffing levels appeared to allow the prison to operate with less violence and contraband and more rehabilitative programming than the other prisons DOJ visited, with no reported homicides in the past several years. Tags: staffing,violence,contraband,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] LeBlanc: JRI savings $356M over 10 years Louisiana DOC Secretary James LeBlanc said that nearly all offenders releasing on November 1, 2017 under the Justice Reinvestment reforms would have been released within a few months beyond November 2017 anyway, and that the new law would save the state about $356 million over the next 10 years by reducing the prison population by 10 percent. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: budget,policy,reentry Sources: Louisiana Criminal Justice Reforms—Fact versus Fiction - Right On Crime - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: correctional education associated with 13% higher odds of postrelease employment Inmates who participated in correctional education programs (either academic or vocational) had odds of obtaining postrelease employment that was 13 percent higher than the odds for those who had not participated, though only one study fell into the higher-quality category. Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [reported] DOJ: Walker State Prison notable exception with fewer fearing for lives and higher staffing DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons states that Walker State Prison was a notable exception, with fewer incarcerated people reporting they feared for their lives, a much higher proportion of security staff positions filled, more robust programming, less violence and contraband, and no reported homicides in the past several years. Tags: staffing,violence,contraband,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: overall effect not driven by lower-quality studies RAND's meta-analysis found that obtaining odds ratios of similar magnitude when restricting the analysis to studies with the most rigorous research design suggests that the overall effect observed among the full sample of 50 studies is not driven by lower-level studies that are potentially subject to selection bias. Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [reported] BOP used $258.7M in FSA funds to reimburse itself for free telephone calls without clear authority The BOP used $258.7 million in FSA funds to reimburse itself for providing inmates with free telephone calls without clear authority to do so. Tags: budget,policy,corruption Sources: oig.justice.gov: 26 057 0 - [reported] Florida HB 183 provisions A Florida bill sponsored by Representative Hart-Lowman would specify that rehabilitating an offender to transition back to the community successfully is one of the primary purposes of sentencing, reduce the minimum sentence that must be served from 85 percent to 72 percent, and revise gain-time provisions to provide for outstanding deed gain-time. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: HB 183 (2025) - Criminal Rehabilitation | Florida House of Representatives - [reported] No compelling evidence that harsh prison conditions deter recidivism Drago, Galbiati and Vertova's study of Italian former prison inmates found no compelling evidence of specific deterrent effects of experienced prison severity, and that point estimates suggested harsh prison conditions increase post-release criminal activity rather than reduce it. Tags: conditions,reentry Sources: Prison Conditions and Recidivism - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: correctional education associated with 43% lower recidivism Texas Appleseed reported that a meta-analysis conducted by the RAND Corporation found that persons enrolled in correctional education programs were 43% less likely to recidivate, with recidivism risk reduced by 13 percentage points. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: texasappleseed.org: issue brief higher ed in tdcj final 2023 - [reported] Florida gain-time as only sentence reduction An OPPAGA report states that due to Florida's determinate sentencing requirements, inmates must serve a mandatory 85% of their sentence, and gain-time, awarded by the Florida Department of Corrections for institutional adjustment, educational program completion, and good behavior, is the only opportunity eligible inmates have to earn a sentence reduction. Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Parole and Early - [reported] States allowing violent-offense earned time above 15 percent The Vera Institute report identifies Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming as states that allow people convicted of violent offenses to earn more than 15 percent off their sentences, the percentage set by truth-in-sentencing laws. Tags: policy,legal Sources: vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com: Summary of National Survey of States Earned and Good Time Earning Options Focusing on States That Have Few Offense Based Exclusions - [reported] RRRI-sentenced inmates reincarcerated at higher rates across follow-ups Pennsylvania DOC's RRRI evaluation found that inmates entering PA DOC with a RRRI minimum sentence were reincarcerated at significantly higher rates than a matched comparison group at three follow-up periods: the 1-year rate was 21.7% compared to 19.7%, the 3-year rate was 41.8% versus 37.1%, and the 5-year rate was 44.9% versus 37.3%. Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [reported] Florida SB 1572 died in committee A Florida Senate bill to revise gain-time provisions died in the Senate Criminal Justice committee on 3/8/2024. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Senate Bill 1572 (2024) - The Florida Senate - [reported] CDCR recidivism report does not systematically evaluate Prop. 57 effectiveness The Criminal Justice Legal Foundation's critique argues that CDCR's recidivism report, which showed a slight decrease in three-year re-conviction rates, does not systematically evaluate Prop. 57's effectiveness in a way that could justify concluding the decrease was caused by the enhanced credits, calling CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber's conclusory statements premature. Tags: policy,reentry Sources: Criminal (cjlf.org) - [reported] RRRI-certified inmates reincarcerated at lower rates across follow-ups Pennsylvania DOC's RRRI evaluation found that for inmates who were RRRI-certified, reincarceration rates were significantly lower than the comparison group at three follow-up periods: the 6-month rate was 7.3% versus 8.7%, the 1-year rate was 14.9% versus 17.5%, and the 3-year rate was 29.8% versus 35.0%. Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [reported] House Speaker Cameron Sexton most vocal proponent of Tennessee Truth in Sentencing The most vocal proponent of Tennessee's Truth in Sentencing bill was House Speaker Cameron Sexton. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: legal,legislation Sources: The Truth Shall Not Set You Free: A Brief Look at Tennessee’s Newly-Enacted “Truth in Sentencing” Law | Published by Lincoln Memorial University Law Review - [reported] Pew: shorter terms without public safety impact A Pew analysis using risk analysis applied to nonviolent offenders in Florida, Maryland, and Michigan found that a significant proportion of nonviolent offenders released in 2004 could have served shorter prison terms without impacting public safety. Date: 2004-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Time Served (pew.org) - [reported] Indiana credit-class structure for violent offenses The Vera Institute report states that Indiana's credit-class structure is one of the country's most generous earned-time frameworks available to people convicted of violent offenses, where people in credit class A earn day-for-day conduct credit, reducing their sentences by as much as 50 percent, while those in Class B (including murder) earn one day of credit for every three days served, a 33 percent reduction. Tags: policy,legal Sources: vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com: Summary of National Survey of States Earned and Good Time Earning Options Focusing on States That Have Few Offense Based Exclusions - [reported] RRRI recidivism figures paint a mixed picture Pennsylvania DOC's RRRI evaluation concluded that recidivism figures for RRRI paint a mixed picture: RRRI sentenced inmates appear to have higher reincarceration rates across the board, but the RRRI certified group have lower rates. Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Kristofer Bret Bucklen, Director January 2018 - [reported] WSIPP: no significant change in violent felony recidivism WSIPP found there were no statistically significant differences between the study groups for violent felony recidivism for any of the matching procedures, meaning violent recidivism for these offenders has not changed as a result of the implementation of ESSB 5990. Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: Washington State (wsipp.wa.gov) - [reported] California OIG manual calculation risk The California Office of the Inspector General found that since May 2021 analysts have had to perform manual calculations because numerous revisions in laws and policy caused CDCR to discontinue using calculation software that could not be modified to accommodate the revisions, increasing the risk of errors in release date calculations. Tags: policy,operations,legal Sources: oig.ca.gov: Audit of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations Release Date Calculations Fact Sheet - [reported] CBT completers recidivated at about same rate as non-completers The California State Auditor's report concludes that inmates who completed in-prison cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs recidivated at about the same rate as inmates who did not complete the programs. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: California Department (information.auditor.ca.gov) - [reported] RRRI-sentenced recidivism not statistically different from comparison group The PA DOC's RRRI report found that overall recidivism rates for RRRI-sentenced inmates were not different from the comparison group at a statistically significant level, concluding the rates should be treated as equal, while the RRRI certified subgroup showed lower rates at a statistically significant level. Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Corrections - [reported] DOJ submitted third FSA report to Congress in April 2023; June 2024 report is fourth The Department of Justice's First Step Act Annual Report states that the Department submitted its third such report to Congress in April 2023, and describes itself as the fourth Annual Report. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, first step act annual report june 2024 - [reported] CDCR operational challenges from credit changes CDCR acknowledged that proposed changes to Good Conduct Credit earning created operational challenges and confusion among the incarcerated population and their families because they were getting release date calculations at the end of every month, instead of at the beginning of their sentence. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: policy,operations Sources: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Announces Changes to Good Conduct Credits, Staff Misconduct and Disciplinary Process - News Releases - [confirmed] JRI good time releases not higher return rate The Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that inmates released based on Justice Reinvestment Initiative good time changes do not appear to return to custody at a higher rate than the overall return rate. Tags: recidivism,reentry,policy Sources: Justice Reinvestment, 00003c7d [2] - [reported] Three states do not allow sentence credits; Wisconsin only for local facilities Three states, Hawaii, Michigan, and Montana, do not allow sentence credits, and Wisconsin allows sentence credits only for individuals who are incarcerated in local facilities. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Maryland Diminution (dls.maryland.gov) - [reported] Colorado HB 1037 (2023) expanded degree-based earned time NCSL's brief states that Colorado's 2023 legislation (HB 1037) expanded earned time to include 18 months of credit for a master's degree, two years for a doctoral degree, one year for an associate or baccalaureate degree, and six months for a certificate or credential requiring at least 30 credit hours to complete. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: State Approaches to Sentence Credits: Earned and Good Time Laws - [reported] Ten JRI bills passed with bipartisan majorities The Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force's recommendations were developed into ten bills, sponsored by Republicans, Democrats, and an Independent, and all ten bills passed the Louisiana Legislature with strong bipartisan majorities. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Package - [reported] DOJ: no appreciable savings seen from FSA in interim; true recidivism analysis awaits FY2023 cohort tracking DOJ's First Step Act Annual Report states that a true recidivism analysis of FSA impacts should reflect full implementation of revised PATTERN 1.3 and SPARC-13, which would indicate review of the release cohort for FY 2023 and tracking those individuals after release for three years, and that in the interim, based on the data available, the Department has seen no appreciable savings. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,recidivism,budget Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, first step act annual report june 2024 - [reported] Landry: system 'lost balance' on crime victims The Louisiana Legislature convened a special session at the request of newly seated Republican Governor Jeff Landry, who in a February 19 speech to lawmakers cited violent crime in the state's three largest cities as evidence that the criminal justice system in Louisiana had 'lost balance' and forgotten about crime victims. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Louisiana Legislature Advances Bills To Roll Back Criminal Justice Reforms - [reported] Arkansas AG Griffin praises Protect Arkansas Act sponsors Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin stated he was grateful to Senator Ben Gilmore and Representative Jimmy Gazaway for showing an early interest in reforming Arkansas's criminal justice system, in praising the Protect Arkansas Act. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Attorney General Griffin Praises Protect Arkansas Act - Arkansas Attorney General - [reported] CrimeSolutions rates Washington Earned Early Release as Promising CrimeSolutions (National Institute of Justice) rated Washington State's Earned Early Release program as 'Promising' based on one study, and reported that individuals released early under the 2003 law had a statistically significant lower rate of felony convictions compared with individuals who were not released early, with no statistically significant difference on violent convictions. Date: 2003-01-01 Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: Program Profile: Earned Early Release (Washington State) | CrimeSolutions, National Institute of Justice - [reported] BOP staff attribute increased program participation interest to FSA early release incentive The Bureau of Prisons observed an increased interest in program participation among individuals in prison, which BOP staff believe is a direct byproduct of the First Step Act's early release incentive. Tags: policy,reentry Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, first step act annual report june 2024 - [reported] Alabama SB 1 (2023) reduced sentence credit NCSL's brief states that in Alabama, SB 1 (2023) reduced the amount of sentence credit someone can earn, placing individuals in a class between IV (ineligible for credit) and I for those considered trustworthy. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: State Approaches to Sentence Credits: Earned and Good Time Laws - [reported] RAND: correctional education associated with 43% lower odds of recidivism (high-quality studies) RAND's meta-analysis found that, based on the higher-quality research studies, inmates who participated in correctional education programs had a 43 percent lower odds of recidivating than inmates who did not, out of 267 primary empirical studies of which 58 met all three eligibility criteria. Tags: reentry,education Sources: bja.ojp.gov: Rand HowEffectiveIsCorrectionalEducation TRENDS (3) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] National: max-out population grew 119% from 1990 to 2012 Pew found that between 1990 and 2012, the number of inmates who maxed out their sentences in prison grew 119 percent, from fewer than 50,000 to more than 100,000. Tags: parole,reentry,legal Sources: A report from June 2014 - [confirmed] Third-year recidivism fell 35.1% to 30.3% Louisiana DOC's recidivism metrics show overall third-year recidivism decreased from 35.1% for calendar year 2013 releases to 30.3% for calendar year 2019 releases. Tags: recidivism,reentry Sources: Justice Reinvestment, 00003c7d [1] - [reported] Pew: 36% longer time served Pew found that offenders released in 2009 served an average of almost three years in custody, nine months or 36 percent longer than offenders released in 1990. Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Time Served (pew.org) DATA GAPS (4) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] BOP lacks complete data to verify timely risk and needs assessments GAO found that BOP does not have readily-available, complete, and accurate data to determine if risk and needs assessments were conducted within the First Step Act required and BOP established timeframes. Tags: policy,data,reentry Sources: United States Government Accountability Office, gao 23 105139 - [confirmed] DOC data system lacks historical good time law record The Louisiana Legislative Auditor noted that DOC's data system does not maintain a historical record of under which good time law an inmate was released, a data limitation for recidivism analysis. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: data,policy,reentry Sources: Justice Reinvestment, 00003c7d [1] - [confirmed] No match for earned time terms in Georgia Special Council report Searched Report of the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgians at the Digital Library of Georgia for 'earned time', 'incentive credit', 'compliance credit', 'good time', 'Performance Incentive Credit' and 'PIC', with no match. Tags: policy,legal Sources: Report of the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgians - [confirmed] No match for program completion terms in Georgia regulation Searched Ga Comp R Regs R 475 3 .05 at law.cornell.edu for 'program completion', 'educational program', 'completion of programming' and 'Transitional Center', with no match. Tags: policy,legal Sources: law.cornell.edu: Ga Comp R Regs R 475 3 .05 METHODOLOGY NOTES (8) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Bozick et al. meta-analysis: 57 recidivism studies, 21 employment studies Bozick et al.'s meta-analysis aggregated 37 years of research (1980-2017) on correctional education and identified 57 studies using recidivism as an outcome and 21 studies using employment as an outcome. Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Does providing inmates with education improve postrelease outcomes? A meta-analysis of correctional education programs in the United States | Journal of Experimental Criminology | Springer Nature Link - [reported] RAND meta-analysis limitation: dearth of experimental designs and selection bias RAND's meta-analysis states that one major limitation of the extant research on correctional education is the dearth of studies that used experimental designs, making it difficult to establish a causal relationship between program participation and the outcome of interest, and that studies lacking experimental designs are susceptible to selection bias, whereby inmates who elect to participate in educational programs may differ in unmeasured ways from inmates who elect not to participate. Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: selection bias cannot be ruled out for employment outcome RAND's meta-analysis found that no studies received a Level 5 rating and only one study received a Level 4 rating on its research-quality scale for the employment analysis, so the authors state they cannot rule out selection bias as a potential explanation for the observed relationship between correctional education and postrelease employment. Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [confirmed] CDCR recidivism methodology CDCR's own recidivism report methodology states that recidivism rates are developed utilizing a three-year follow-up period analyzing a cohort's arrests, convictions and returns to prison, and that the three-year conviction rate serves as CDCR's primary measure of recidivism. Tags: reentry,policy Sources: CDCR FY2020-21 Recidivism Report - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: employment outcomes pooled from 18 studies RAND's meta-analysis of employment outcomes pooled 22 effect size estimates from 18 studies examining odds of obtaining employment after release. Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [reported] RAND meta-analysis: only two RCTs, both Sandhills Vocational Delivery System Experiment RAND's meta-analysis found that only two studies providing recidivism effect sizes used a well-executed randomized controlled trial design (Maryland SMS Level 5), both evaluating the Sandhills Vocational Delivery System Experiment. Tags: reentry,program,policy Sources: bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis - [estimated] New York: modeled 46% merit time participation rate (4,450 of 9,587 in 2006) The NYC Comptroller's modeled participation rate of 46% for New York's merit time program is based on 4,450 individuals who received merit time hearings in 2006 divided by 9,587 individuals newly committed on merit-time eligible charges that year. Date: 2006-01-01 Tags: legal,reentry Sources: Economic Benefits of the Earned Time Act - Office of the New York City Comptroller - [reported] Oklahoma sentence projection formula Oklahoma's ODOC manual states that, assuming an inmate earns the highest level of earned credits when eligible, a total of 200 achievement credits, and no loss of credit through misconduct, sentence length in days multiplied by .40 (or .35 if enhanced-credit-level eligible) projects the approximate amount of time actually served. Tags: policy,legal Sources: The Service of Sentences and Credit CASE DETAILS (10) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Texas 2007 Justice Reinvestment led by Whitmire and Madden The 2007 Texas Justice Reinvestment initiative was led by state Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston), Chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, and state Representative Jerry Madden (R), Chair of the Corrections Committee. Date: 2007-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,budget Sources: Justice Reinvestment (csgjusticecenter.org) - [reported] Right on Crime launched in 2010 as conservative reform initiative Right on Crime states that as reform efforts in Texas began to bear positive fruit in 2010, the decision was made to 'take the show on the road,' giving birth to Right on Crime as the nation's premier conservative criminal justice reform initiative. Date: 2010-01-01 Tags: policy,reentry Sources: Ten Years of Criminal Justice Reform in Texas - Right On Crime - [confirmed] ACLU lawsuit against BOP over FSA credits The ACLU filed suit in federal court for the District of Columbia on December 20, 2024, challenging the Bureau of Prisons for treating sentence credits earned by prisoners towards early release under the First Step Act as 'optional.' Date: 2024-12-20 Tags: legal,policy Sources: ACLU Sues BOP Over Failure to Implement First Step Act Release Credits - [reported] Alabama good time bill named for Deputy Brad Johnson An Alabama bill reforming correctional incentive time ('good time') was sponsored by Sen. April Weaver and was named for Deputy Brad Johnson, who was killed in a shootout with a man who was erroneously released on good time despite previously escaping from prison for several months and assaulting a correctional officer. Tags: legal,policy,violence Sources: Ivey signs "good time" bill into law - [confirmed] Washington DOC erroneously released over 3,000 inmates early over 13 years The governor's investigative report found that over 13 years the Washington State Department of Corrections had been releasing certain prison inmates earlier than their sentences allowed, and on December 22, 2015, Governor Inslee notified the public that DOC had erroneously released more than 3,000 inmates earlier than they should have been released. Tags: corruption,legal,operations Sources: Investigative Report (governor.wa.gov) - [reported] Fifth Circuit petitioner accrued 1,205 program days and 570 FSA credits; 365 applied to release date The prisoner in the Fifth Circuit case had, as of October 15, 2024, accrued 1,205 program days and 570 FSA time credits, of which 365 were applied to reduce his release date. Date: 2024-10-15 Tags: legal,policy Sources: United States Court of Appeals, 25 50315 CV0 - [confirmed] First Circuit vacated dismissal of Miles' habeas petition and remanded The First Circuit vacated the dismissal of Miles' habeas petition and remanded for further proceedings. Tags: legal Sources: United States Court of Appeals, 25 1291P 01A - [confirmed] As many as 3,200 Washington offenders released early due to good time errors Washington state officials said as many as 3,200 convicted offenders were mistakenly released too early from Washington state prisons because of errors in calculating good time credit, with mistakes occurring over 13 years. Tags: corruption,legal,operations Sources: 3,200 inmates mistakenly released early in Washington | CNN - [reported] Virginia 2022: budget amendment stripped earned credits from 560 prisoners on eve of release Just as the Virginia Department of Corrections was preparing to release 560 prisoners in July 2022, Governor Glenn Youngkin and state lawmakers stepped in with a budget amendment that stripped away earned sentence credits, leaving the prisoners in their cells. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: Virginia Swipes Sentence Credits From 560 Prisoners Just About to Get Out - [reported] Two of 3,200 mistakenly released Washington inmates linked to killings Two of the roughly 3,200 Washington inmates released by mistake due to the sentence calculation error were linked to killings: one arrested in a fatal shooting and another charged with vehicular homicide. Tags: violence,corruption,legal Sources: Two of 3,200 Washington Inmates Released by Mistake Are Linked to Killings QUOTES (1) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Florida HB 183 sponsor rationale Representative Hart-Lowman said he filed his criminal rehabilitation bill because he sincerely believes that by providing inmates with educational opportunities the state will be able to tackle many issues plaguing the correctional system, and that the bill was drafted with input from those formerly and currently incarcerated and their families. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: HB 183 (2025) - Criminal Rehabilitation | Florida House of Representatives DATASETS (12) ---------------------------------------- # GDC Cognitive Programming Enrollment and Completions, FY2018–FY2019 Number of GDC inmates enrolled in cognitive programming due to assessed need and number completing an identified needs-based cognitive program, by fiscal year. Fiscal Year Enrolled Completed ---------------------------------- FY2018 55989 37099 FY2019 74457 51987 # GDC FY2025 CTHE Completions by Program Type Career, Technical and Higher Education completions in FY2025 broken out by program category. Program Type Completions -------------------------------------- On-The-Job Training 20137 GCI On-The-Job Training 402 Post-Secondary 2356 Skills Trainings 15130 Vocational 4307 Associate Degrees 31 Bachelor Degrees 12 # Federal prisoners cited for prohibited acts resulting in reductions in rewards, incentives, or time credits, 2018-2022 Annual counts of federal prisoners cited for prohibited acts that resulted in reductions in rewards, incentives, or time credits, as reported by BJS. Year Prisoners cited ----------------------- 2018 55361 2019 54848 2020 45838 2021 47000 2022 50126 # Louisiana Act 280 good time releases and return to custody, FY2018-FY2023 Outcomes of 49,404 inmates released under Act 280 good time changes, as reported by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. Outcome Count Percent --------------------------------------------- Returned to DOC custody 8603 17.4 Not returned to DOC custody 40801 82.6 # Louisiana CTRP Credit Earners and Average Days (2018-2023) Number of releasing individuals who earned Certified Treatment and Rehabilitation Program (CTRP) credit and average CTRP days earned by releasing individuals in Louisiana, 2018-2023. Year Releasing Individuals Earning CTRP Credit Average CTRP Days Earned --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 7021 217.54 2019 7027 215.04 2020 6384 236.56 2021 4869 234.45 2022 4943 232.95 2023 5185 227.9 # Oklahoma earned credit schedule by class level Monthly earned credits awarded to Oklahoma inmates by class level assignment. Class Level Credits per Month ------------------------------------------- Class Level 1 0 Class Level 2 22 Class Level 3 33 Class Level 4 44 Enhanced Class Level 3 45 Enhanced Class Level 4 60 # Virginia State Responsible release outcomes since FY2007 Rates of re-arrest, re-conviction, and re-incarceration for Virginia State Responsible releases, reported as ranges since FY2007 by the Virginia State Crime Commission. Outcome Lower bound Upper bound -------------------------------------------- Re-arrest 53.4 57.3 Re-conviction 42.3 48.6 Re-incarceration 22.4 26.1 # GDC FY2025 Total Academic Completions by Category Academic completions in FY2025 broken out by category. Category Completions ---------------------------------------- Literacy/Remedial Reading 366 Adult Education 1213 Foothills High School 16 GED Prep 1550 GED Testing 1395 # Louisiana third-year recidivism by release cohort Overall third-year recidivism rates for Louisiana DOC releases, calendar years 2013 and 2019. Release Cohort Year Third-Year Recidivism Rate ------------------------------------------------- 2013 35.1 2019 30.3 # Louisiana Percentage of Good-Time Releasing Individuals Earning CTRP Credit (2018-2023) Percentage of good-time releasing individuals who earned Certified Treatment and Rehabilitation Program (CTRP) credit in Louisiana, 2018-2023. Year Percentage Earning CTRP Credit -------------------------------------- 2018 47.5 2019 48.3 2020 52.9 2021 45.8 2022 43.2 2023 45.8 # GDC FY2024 CTHE Completions by Program Type Career, Technical and Higher Education completions in FY2024 broken out by program category. Program Type Completions ---------------------------------- On-The-Job Training 19292 Post-Secondary 2960 Skills Trainings 19080 Vocational 4422 # GDC FY2025 Admissions Highest Grade Level Attained (Reported) Highest grade level attained among reported FY2025 admissions, by sex and total. Grade Level Male Female Total -------------------------------------- Grade 9 692 55 747 Grade 10 932 92 1024 Grade 11 970 84 1054 Grade 12 or GED 3645 448 4093 KEY ENTITIES (238) ---------------------------------------- - 1994 Sentence Reform Act [legislation]: Georgia legislation declaring that sentences for certain serious violent felonies be served in their entirety without parole or earned time reductions. (aka: Ga. L. 1994, p. 1959) - ACLU [organization]: Civil liberties organization that produced the 2022 'Captive Labor: Exploitation of Incarcerated Workers' report with the University of Chicago Law School's Global Human Rights Clinic. (aka: American Civil Liberties Union) - ACLU of Virginia [organization]: Civil liberties organization that publicized the Garcia Vasquez v. Dotson ruling. - Act 280 (2017) [legislation]: Louisiana Justice Reinvestment law changing good time accrual rates and parole consideration. (aka: Senate Bill 139, SB 139) - Act 81 of 2008 [legislation]: Pennsylvania legislation establishing the Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive, signed September 25, 2008 and effective November 24, 2008. (aka: P.L.147, No.33) - Alabama [organization]: State where incarcerated people are not paid for most prison work. - Alabama Correctional Incentive Time Act [legislation]: Alabama statute governing correctional incentive time deductions from sentences. (aka: Alabama good time law) - Alabama Department of Corrections [organization]: Alabama state corrections agency spending approximately $19.3 million on prison education (~$742/inmate/year) while under federal oversight for unconstitutional conditions - Alabama SB 1 (2023) [legislation]: 2023 Alabama legislation reducing the amount of sentence credit someone can earn. (aka: SB 1) - Alabama Senate Bill 1 (2023) [legislation]: Alabama legislation reducing correctional incentive time rates for Class I, II, and III prisoners. (aka: SB1 2023) - April Weaver [person]: Alabama state senator who sponsored the 2023 good time reform bill. (aka: Sen. April Weaver) - Arizona Department of Corrections [organization]: Arizona state correctional agency that implemented an STG program beginning in 1991, producing the most rigorously evaluated gang separation case study (aka: ADCR, ADC) - Arkansas Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency administering Arkansas prisons and earned release credits. (aka: Arkansas Division of Correction) - Ashland University [organization]: Private Christian university in Ohio partnering with GDC since June 2018 to offer associate's degrees in Georgia prisons via Pell Grants. - Ben Gilmore [person]: Arkansas state senator and sponsor of the Protect Arkansas Act. (aka: Senator Ben Gilmore) - Berecochea & Jaman Study [case]: Randomized experiment advancing parole dates by six months to test whether reduced prison terms affect recidivism. (aka: Berecochea & Jaman California Department of Corrections experimental study) - Bill Lee [person]: Governor of Tennessee who allowed SB 2248 to become law without his signature on May 9, 2022. - Blackwell v. State [case]: Georgia Supreme Court case (2018) addressing sentencing under O.C.G.A. § 17-10-7(b)(2) and life without parole. - Bozick et al. [person]: Authors of a meta-analysis on correctional education and recidivism. - Brad Johnson [person]: Alabama deputy killed in a shootout with a man erroneously released on good time; the 2023 good time bill was named for him. (aka: Deputy Brad Johnson) - Brewton-Parker College [organization]: College offering credit-bearing courses through Philemon Fellowship at Wheeler Correctional Facility and Johnson State Prison. - Bureau of Justice Statistics [organization]: Federal statistical agency within DOJ that collected and published mortality in correctional institutions data from approximately 2000 until 2019. (aka: BJS) - Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency operating the federal prison system; charges medical copays (aka: BOP, Federal BOP) - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [organization]: California state agency responsible for operating the state prison system; defendant in Brown v. Plata litigation (aka: CDCR, California prisons) - California Legislative Analyst's Office [organization]: California's nonpartisan fiscal and policy advisor; issued a 2024 report on empty prison beds. (aka: LAO) - California Office of the Inspector General [organization]: Independent Inspector General for California's prison system, with a $42M budget and 211 staff. - California Penal Code Section 2933.05 [legislation]: California statute governing program credits for incarcerated people. (aka: PC 2933.05) - California State Auditor [organization]: California's independent auditor that evaluated CDCR rehabilitation program delivery and recidivism outcomes. - Cameron Sexton [person]: Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives and most vocal proponent of the Truth in Sentencing bill. - Career, Technical, and Higher Education programs [program]: GDC program area awarding career and technical certificates, referenced in FY2021 and FY2022 impact reports. (aka: CTHE) - Coastal RSAT [facility]: Residential Substance Abuse Treatment center listed in FY2025 report. - Colorado [organization]: Authorizes split sentence; has pre-sentence diagnostic commitment option with 90-day report requirement. - Colorado Department of Corrections [organization]: Colorado state corrections agency found to have approximately 33% false-positive rate for its colorimetric testing program (aka: Colorado DOC) - Colorado HB 1037 (2023) [legislation]: 2023 Colorado legislation expanding earned time for degree and credential completion. (aka: HB 1037) - Connecticut [organization]: U.S. state that has cut prison population over 50% from its peak. - Connecticut Department of Correction [organization]: First US state corrections department to implement free prison phone calls statewide (October 2022) - Connecticut General Assembly [legislation]: Connecticut's legislative body that enacted PA 11-51 and subsequent RREC amendments. (aka: Connecticut legislature) - Council of State Governments Justice Center [organization]: Organization that documented Georgia's justice reinvestment approach under Governor Deal (aka: CSG Justice Center) - Council on Criminal Justice [organization]: National criminal justice policy organization. Operates the Pushing Toward Parity project tracking racial disparities. Led by Adam Gelb. - CrimeSolutions [program]: NIJ's online database of evidence-based criminal justice program and practice ratings. - Criminal Justice Legal Foundation [organization]: Organization that published a critique of CDCR's good conduct credit policy. (aka: CJLF) - D.C. Code § 24–221.01 [legislation]: D.C. law providing educational good time credits. (aka: Educational good time) - Delaware Department of Correction [organization]: Delaware state agency responsible for corrections. (aka: DOC) - District of Columbia [organization]: The federal district, which has its own second look sentencing laws. (aka: D.C.) - DOJ Office of the Inspector General [organization]: DOJ oversight body that investigates federal Bureau of Prisons facilities (aka: OIG) - Dooly State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where Jackie Kavaskia McMillan led drug trafficking network; second highest cell phone seizure count by end of 2016 (1,342 phones). - Drago, Galbiati and Vertova [person]: Authors of studies on prison conditions and deterrent effects. - Earned Compliance Credits [program]: Louisiana supervision credit awarding 30 days off per compliant month, repealed in 2024. (aka: ECC) - Earned Discretionary Sentence Credit [program]: Illinois program allowing the IDOC Director to award up to 180 or 365 days of sentence credit depending on sentence length. (aka: EDSC) - Earned Time System [program]: A performance-based rehabilitative model enacted by the Georgia legislature on July 1, 1976 to address overcrowding, negative corrections philosophy, and unspecified parole criteria. Includes case management, performance rating, and privilege systems. (aka: ETS, Earned Time Law) - ESSB 5990 [legislation]: Washington 2003 law increasing earned release time, evaluated by WSIPP. - Faith and Character Based program [program]: Yearlong GDC program at Baldwin State Prison; 19 offenders graduated in April 2017. (aka: F&CB program, Faith and Character Program) - Family Reunification Program [program]: Wraparound service under the RSAT Program supporting return to family and community. - Federal Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency responsible for operating federal prisons in the United States. (aka: BOP, Federal BOP) - Fifth Circuit [organization]: Federal appellate court with jurisdiction over Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana; author of the Gates, Ball, Hinojosa, Yates and Coones heat decisions. (aka: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit) - First Circuit Court of Appeals [case]: Federal appellate court that vacated dismissal of Miles' habeas petition, finding BOP regulation conflicts with FSA text. (aka: First Circuit) - First Step Act [legislation]: Federal legislation enacted in 2018 that codified a ban on juvenile solitary confinement in the federal system. The only enacted federal legislation directly addressing solitary confinement. - First Step Act Independent Review Committee [organization]: Committee that reviewed research on recidivism-reduction programs, as cited in a June 2020 report. (aka: Independent Review Committee) - First Step Act of 2018 [legislation]: Federal criminal justice reform legislation that included educational provisions influenced by RAND's correctional education research. (aka: First Step Act) - Florida Department of Corrections [organization]: Florida state corrections agency referenced in analysis of contractor profit margins from penny-per-meal savings in a 90,000-prisoner system. - Florida House of Representatives [organization]: Lower chamber of the Florida Legislature; considered HB 183 (2025) on criminal rehabilitation. (aka: Florida House) - Florida Senate [organization]: Upper chamber of the Florida Legislature; considered SB 1572 (2024) on gain-time. - Foothills Education Charter High School [program]: Charter high school program operating at Phillips State Prison and other GDC facilities. - Ga Comp R Regs R 475 3 .05 [legislation]: Georgia regulation searched for program completion terms with no match. - GA SB586 [legislation]: Georgia Senate bill regarding parole procedures when a person is denied parole after completing certain prerequisites. - GAO [organization]: Federal agency that audited DCRA compliance in 2022. (aka: U.S. Government Accountability Office) - Garcia Vasquez v. Dotson [case]: Supreme Court of Virginia ruling finding VDOC unlawfully withheld earned sentence credits. - Georgetown University [organization]: University that co-published Investing in Futures with Vera. (aka: Georgetown) - Georgia Act 1133 [legislation]: 1976 Georgia law effective July 1, 1976, that discontinued statutory and extra good time for persons sentenced after that date and established earned time allowances based on performance. (aka: Earned Time Law) - Georgia Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board that issues rules for Georgia prison operations, including Rule 125-4-2-.08 (Library) and Rule 125-2-4-.17 - Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform [organization]: Reform body created under Governor Nathan Deal in 2013 that was a national model for evidence-based reform; influence waned after Deal left office in 2019 - Georgia Department of Community Supervision [organization]: Georgia agency that supervises people on probation and parole, maintains the THOR housing directory (aka: DCS) - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation [organization]: The state agency responsible for Georgia's correctional system, including state and county institutions. Produced the Earned Time System evaluation. (aka: DOR, DCOR, Department of Corrections/Offender Rehabilitation, Georgia Department of Corrections) - Georgia General Assembly [organization]: Georgia state legislature. Has not advanced legislation to address prison labor compensation or remove the state's slavery exception. A two-thirds vote in both chambers would be required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. - Georgia House Bill 70518 [legislation]: Bill to amend O.C.G.A. § 42-8-38 relating to probation violations and graduated sanctions. (aka: HB 70518) - Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]: Georgia state agency responsible for parole decisions - Georgia State University [organization]: University where the Georgia Innocence Project is based. - Georgia Supreme Court [organization]: Highest court in Georgia; issued Cook v. State ruling and denied Bharadia's DNA evidence claim - Glenn Youngkin [person]: Governor of Virginia who advanced the 2022 budget amendment stripping earned sentence credits. - Government Accountability Office [organization]: Federal agency that published the 1998 Truth in Sentencing state grants report. (aka: GAO) - Governor Rendell [person]: Pennsylvania governor who signed RRRI into law on September 25, 2008. (aka: Ed Rendell) - Hancock State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where THC gummies, white powdery substances, and marijuana were recovered in January 2024. - Hart-Lowman [person]: Florida Representative who sponsored HB 183 (2025) on criminal rehabilitation. (aka: Representative Hart-Lowman) - Hawaii [organization]: Authorizes split sentence with up to six months confinement; not authorized for death or life imprisonment offenses. - HB 183 (2025) [legislation]: Florida House bill that would reduce minimum sentence service from 85% to 72% and revise gain-time; died in committee June 16, 2025. (aka: Criminal Rehabilitation) - HB 894 [legislation]: A bill in the 2025-2026 Georgia General Assembly session to authorize sentencing courts to review and resentence certain cases where life without parole was imposed. (aka: Georgia Second Look Act) - House Bill 10 (2024 Second Extraordinary Session) [legislation]: Louisiana 2024 law capping automatic good time at 15% for post-August 2024 offenses and eliminating earned compliance credits. (aka: HB 10) - House Bill 5148 [legislation]: 2020 Virginia Special Session I bill establishing earned-sentence-credit structure. (aka: HB 5148) - Idaho [organization]: Authorizes split sentence; not authorized for treason or murder. - Illinois Department of Corrections [organization]: State corrections agency that experienced multi-facility Legionella positives in 2022 across at least 6 facilities. (aka: Illinois DOC, IDOC) - Indiana [organization]: Authorizes split sentence with up to six months; court may modify sentence within 180 days. - Indiana Department of Correction [organization]: Leads the nation in reliance on virtual life sentences, with nearly 4,000 people (16% of its prison population) serving terms of 50 years or more. (aka: Indiana) - Iowa [organization]: Authorizes sentence modification within 90 days for felonies or 30 days for misdemeanors. - James LeBlanc [person]: Louisiana DPSC Secretary and named defendant in Ball v. LeBlanc. Publicly reversed course on prison AC in 2022, acknowledging 'three-digit temperature days' require action. (aka: Jimmy LeBlanc) - Jay Inslee [person]: Governor of Washington who notified the public in December 2015 of erroneous early releases. - Jeff Landry [person]: Republican Governor of Louisiana who convened the 2024 Second Extraordinary Session to restrict parole eligibility and good time. (aka: Governor Jeff Landry) - Jeff Macomber [person]: CDCR Secretary whose statements on Prop. 57 were criticized as premature. - Jerry Madden [person]: Texas state Representative (R), Chair of the Corrections Committee during 2007 Justice Reinvestment. - Jimmy Gazaway [person]: Arkansas state representative involved in criminal justice reform and the Protect Arkansas Act. (aka: Representative Jimmy Gazaway) - John Whitmire [person]: Texas state Senator (D-Houston), Chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee during 2007 Justice Reinvestment. - Johnson RSAT [facility]: Residential Substance Abuse Treatment center with A and B units. (aka: Johnson RSAT (A), Johnson RSAT (B)) - Jose Garcia Vasquez [person]: Virginia prisoner whose incarceration was found unlawfully extended by more than eighteen months in Garcia Vasquez v. Dotson. - Justice Reinvestment Initiative [program]: Pew-supported initiative that worked with 30+ states to implement data-driven criminal justice reform, including Texas and Louisiana. (aka: JRI) - Kansas [organization]: Authorizes split sentence; has pre-sentence diagnostic commitment option up to 120 days; court may modify sentence within 120 days. - Kansas Department of Corrections [organization]: State corrections agency for Kansas; administers good time and program credits under K.S.A. 21-6821. (aka: KDOC) - Kay Ivey [person]: Governor of Alabama who signed Executive Order 725 on correctional incentive time. (aka: Governor Kay Ivey) - Kelsey [person]: Tennessee Senate sponsor of SB 2248. - Kentucky Department of Corrections [organization]: State corrections agency for Kentucky; administers sentencing credits under KRS 197.045 and was subject to a class-action and KPMG audit over educational good time miscalculations. (aka: KDOC) - KPMG [organization]: Consulting firm that produced a 2023 report commissioned by the Florida DOC finding most Florida dormitories require retrofitting and more than one-third of facilities are in 'critical' or 'poor' condition. - Kristofer Bret Bucklen [person]: Director of the Pennsylvania DOC who authored the January 2018 RRRI annual report. - Lee State Prison [facility]: Cycle 3 reports 16 cells with 32 beds. - Life University [organization]: University awarding Bachelor's and Associate's degrees to incarcerated students. - Louisiana [organization]: Authorizes split sentence with up to one year without hard labor for felony. - Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections [organization]: Holds the fourth-largest LWOP population in the nation (3,900 people), with a notable decrease of 473 people from 2020 to 2024. (aka: Louisiana) - Louisiana Legislative Auditor [organization]: Louisiana's independent audit agency; produced the Justice Reinvestment audit (report 00003c7d). (aka: LLA) - Louisiana Legislature [organization]: The legislative body of the state of Louisiana. - Lundberg [person]: Tennessee Senate sponsor of SB 2248. - Maine [organization]: Authorizes split sentence; state prison confinement not to exceed 30 days. - Maryland [organization]: Authorizes split sentence; court may modify sentence within 90 days. - Massachusetts [organization]: State where probation use in the United States began in the late 1800s. - Massachusetts Department of Correction [organization]: Massachusetts state corrections agency defendant in Green v. Massachusetts DOC class-action over false-positive drug tests on prison mail (aka: Massachusetts DOC) - McNally [person]: Tennessee Senate sponsor of SB 2248. - MGT Push [program]: Illinois early-release program that awarded Meritorious Good Time credit to inmates shortly after arrival, later halted by Governor Pat Quinn and officially deemed a mistake. (aka: Meritorious Good Time Push) - Michigan [organization]: Authorized split sentences in 1931 with up to 60 days county jail as probation condition. - Michigan Department of Corrections [organization]: Michigan state corrections agency that contracted with Aramark (2013-2015) and Trinity Services Group (2015-2018) for food service before returning to in-house operations in 2018. (aka: MDOC) - Miles [person]: Federal prisoner whose habeas petition challenging FSA time-credit accrual was remanded by the First Circuit. - Minnesota [organization]: Authorizes split sentence with up to 90 days confinement. - Minnesota Department of Corrections [organization]: One of three prison systems that explicitly permit incarcerated representatives on welfare fund governing boards. (aka: Minnesota) - Mississippi Department of Corrections [organization]: Mississippi state corrections agency that canceled its Aramark contract in 2021 after a federal lawsuit described contaminated food. (aka: MDOC Mississippi) - Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act [legislation]: Mississippi law expanding parole eligibility, signed by Governor Tate Reeves on April 22, 2021. (aka: Senate Bill 2795, SB 2795) - Mississippi HB 585 (2014) [legislation]: 2014 Mississippi corrections reform law establishing true minimums and earned time changes. (aka: House Bill 585) - Mississippi State Parole Board [organization]: State parole board referenced in PEER report. - Missouri Department of Corrections [organization]: Missouri state prison agency, defendant in Postawko. (aka: MDOC) - Montana [organization]: U.S. state that does not allow sentence credits. - National Center for Education Statistics [organization]: Federal agency that conducted the PIAAC survey. (aka: NCES) - National Conference of State Legislatures [organization]: Provided data on correctional oversight bills considered in 2024 legislative sessions. (aka: NCSL) - National Institute of Justice [organization]: DOJ research agency that commissioned studies on deaths in custody to meet DCRA 2013 requirements. (aka: NIJ) - Nevada [organization]: Authorizes split sentence with confinement to be determined by the court. - Nevada Department of Corrections [organization]: State corrections agency referenced in Nevada statutes. (aka: NDOC) - New Hampshire Department of Corrections [organization]: State corrections agency referenced in Maryland diminution report. - New Jersey [organization]: U.S. state that reduced prison population by 26% (1999-2012) and holds 37% fewer people than in 2019. - New Mexico [organization]: Authorizes split sentence; has pre-sentence diagnostic testing option up to 30 days (extendable another 30 days). - New Mexico Corrections Department [organization]: New Mexico state corrections agency whose classification failures serve as a cautionary parallel to Georgia, including the 1999 Santa Rosa guard murder and 1980 PNM riot. (aka: NMCD) - New York City Comptroller's Office [organization]: City fiscal office that modeled economic and fiscal benefits of New York's proposed Earned Time Act. (aka: NYC Comptroller) - New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision [organization]: Oversees New York's prison system, which more than halved its population while violent crime fell. - New York State Earned Time Act [legislation]: Proposed New York legislation that would expand merit time to one-half of minimum sentence for indeterminate sentences. (aka: Earned Time Act) - North Carolina Department of Adult Correction [organization]: North Carolina's corrections agency reporting 9,682 positions needed and 4,979 filled (49% vacancy rate) as of January 2026. - North Carolina Department of Correction [organization]: North Carolina state corrections agency referenced in Justice Reinvestment Act. (aka: NCDOC) - North Carolina DPS Prisons [organization]: State agency administering North Carolina prisons and earned time policy. (aka: North Carolina Department of Public Safety) - North Carolina Justice Reinvestment Act [legislation]: North Carolina legislation establishing risk reduction incentives and earned time reforms. (aka: House Bill 642) - North Carolina Justice Reinvestment Act (H.B. 642) [legislation]: North Carolina legislation requiring post-release supervision for all felony releases and providing treatment incentives. (aka: H.B. 642, Justice Reinvestment legislation) - North Dakota [organization]: Authorizes split sentence; not authorized for death penalty or subsequent felony conviction cases. - O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1 [legislation]: Statute listing seven serious violent felonies with mandatory minimum sentences during which parole is unavailable. (aka: OCGA § 17-10-6.1) - O.C.G.A. § 42-5-101 [legislation]: Georgia statute authorizing the Department of Corrections to award work incentive credits for non-life felony terms. (aka: Code Section 42-5-101) - O.C.G.A. § 42-8-38 [legislation]: Georgia statute on probation violation arrest, graduated sanctions, hearings, and revocation procedure; subject of House Bill 70518. (aka: Code Section 42-8-38) - O.C.G.A. § 42-9-45 [legislation]: Georgia statute governing automatic initial parole consideration timing and eligibility thresholds, including violent-crime and felony provisions. (aka: Code Section 42-9-45) - Ohio [organization]: State whose shock probation statute received fairly extensive judicial construction, examined closely in the report. - Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction [organization]: Ohio state corrections agency. (aka: ODRC) - Ohio Revised Code §2929.20 [legislation]: Ohio judicial release statute defining eighty per cent-qualifying offender. (aka: Section 2929.20) - Ohio Revised Code §2967.193 [legislation]: Ohio statute governing earned days of credit for program participation and completion. (aka: Section 2967.193) - Oklahoma Attorney General's Office [organization]: State legal office that provided guidance on Good Conduct Achievement Credit authority. (aka: Oklahoma AG) - Oklahoma Department of Corrections [organization]: Oklahoma state corrections agency administering earned credit programs. (aka: ODOC) - Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force [organization]: Task force that produced recommendations on earned compliance credits. (aka: OJRTF) - Omnibus Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act [legislation]: South Carolina 2010 sentencing reform bill introduced February 9, 2010 and passed the House 97-4. (aka: S.1154, Bill 1154) - Omnibus Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act of 2010 (S. 1154) [legislation]: South Carolina law enacted in 2010 to reduce prison bed need and save costs, based on Sentencing Reform Commission work. (aka: S. 1154) - OPPAGA [organization]: Florida Legislature's research arm that published reports on gain-time and education program outcomes. (aka: Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability) - Oregon [organization]: U.S. state; ORS 137.218 allows joint prosecutor-defense petitions for reconsideration of conviction or sentence. - Oregon Criminal Justice Commission [organization]: Oregon agency that evaluated the effect of changes to earned time awards on recidivism. (aka: CJC) - PA 11-51 [legislation]: Connecticut law effective July 1, 2011 establishing risk reduction earned credits (CGS § 18-98e). (aka: Public Act 11-51) - Pennsylvania [organization]: U.S. state that enacted the Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive (RRRI) program. - Pennsylvania Department of Corrections [organization]: Pennsylvania corrections agency; secretary testified as expert witness about overcrowding as 'biggest inhibiting factor' in California - Performance Incentive Credit Program [program]: GDC program allowing inmates to earn earlier possible parole release by completing rehabilitative programming. Each PIC point equals one month advance of Tentative Parole Month. Board has discretion to approve or deny earned PIC. (aka: PIC, PIC Program) - Pew Center on the States [organization]: Research and policy organization that published the Public Safety Performance Project issue brief on South Carolina's S. 1154. (aka: Pew) - Pew Charitable Trusts [organization]: Nonpartisan research organization; co-authored Prison Health Care Costs and Quality report with Vera Institute - Proposition 57 [legislation]: California ballot measure providing rehabilitation and education credits that reduce conviction rates by 12.3 percentage points. (aka: Prop 57) - Protect Arkansas Act [legislation]: Arkansas law restricting earned release credits for certain felonies and capping credits for restricted release felonies at 15%. (aka: Arkansas Senate Bill 495 (2023), Act 659 of 2023) - Pulaski State Prison [facility]: Georgia women's state prison where Christina Buttery died on December 21, 2022, from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose. - R.S. 15:571.3.1 [legislation]: Louisiana statute governing eligibility and applicability of diminution of sentence for crimes committed on or after August 1, 2024. (aka: La. R.S. 15:571.3.1) - RAND Corporation [organization]: Research organization that conducted the correctional education meta-analysis (2013) and evaluated Oregon's Measure 11. (aka: RAND) - Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive [program]: Pennsylvania earned-time program established by Act 81 of 2008 that reduces minimum sentences to three-fourths or five-sixths depending on sentence length, with certification requirements. (aka: RRRI) - Recidiviz [organization]: Criminal justice data platform that produced a projection on earned time expansion in Virginia. - Residential Drug Abuse Program [program]: BOP residential drug treatment program whose participants showed lower rearrest and drug-positive rates in cited research. (aka: RDAP) - Residential Substance Abuse Treatment [program]: Substance abuse treatment programs operated by GDC, with capacity severely limited relative to the 50-66% of incarcerated people with substance use disorders (aka: RSAT) - Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program [program]: Georgia operates 12 RSAT programs across state prisons and probation treatment centers; participants show 6.9% lower recidivism. (aka: RSAT) - Rhode Island [organization]: U.S. state with credits for work, programs, and program completion. - Right on Crime [organization]: A conservative criminal justice reform initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation that provided technical assistance to Georgia. - Sandhills Vocational Delivery System Experiment [program]: Vocational program evaluated in two randomized controlled trials included in RAND's meta-analysis. - SB 105 [legislation]: Georgia legislation signed May 3, 2021, allowing early termination of felony probation after 3 years if eligibility criteria are met (aka: Probation Reform Act) - SB 1572 (2024) [legislation]: Florida Senate bill to revise gain-time provisions; died in Criminal Justice committee March 8, 2024. - Senate Bill 5034 [legislation]: 2020 Virginia Special Session I bill establishing earned-sentence-credit structure. (aka: SB 5034) - Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments. - South Carolina [organization]: State where incarcerated people are not paid for most prison work. - South Carolina Department of Corrections [organization]: South Carolina state corrections agency operating a dedicated prison school district, awarding ~8,300 credentials annually, with the lowest recidivism rate in the U.S. at 17.1% - South Carolina Sentencing Reform Commission [organization]: Commission whose work produced South Carolina's Omnibus Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act of 2010 (S. 1154). - South Carolina Sentencing Reform Oversight Committee [organization]: Legislative oversight committee that produced a handout comparing states' earned program credits. - South Dakota Department of Corrections [organization]: State corrections agency referenced in Maryland diminution report. - Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgians [organization]: Bipartisan group formed by H.B. 265 in April 2011 with representation from all three branches of government to analyze Georgia's criminal justice system and make reform recommendations. (aka: SCCJRG, Special Council) - State Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]: Georgia state entity that serves as a reporting entity for sexual abuse allegations in prisons - State Jail Diligent Participation Credit [program]: Texas program allowing judges to credit up to 20% of state jail sentences for diligent participation. - Tennessee [organization]: State that bars maximum-security and punitive-segregation inmates from earning credits, per NCSL. - Tennessee Code § 41-21-236 [legislation]: Tennessee sentence reduction credits statute. - Tennessee Department of Correction [organization]: State prison system of Tennessee, which administers sentence reduction credits under Tennessee Code § 41-21-236. (aka: TDOC) - Tennessee General Assembly [organization]: State legislature of Tennessee, which passed SB 2248 (Truth in Sentencing) in 2022. - Tennessee Truth in Sentencing Act (SB 2248) [legislation]: 2022 Tennessee law eliminating release eligibility and requiring 100% sentence service for enumerated offenses committed on or after July 1, 2022. (aka: SB 2248, Public Chapter 988) - Texas Appleseed [organization]: Texas nonprofit that published a 2023 issue brief on higher education in TDCJ. - Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]: Texas parole board that generally errs on the side of public safety when considering MRIS releases. - Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.559 [legislation]: Texas state jail diligent participation credit statute. - Texas Department of Criminal Justice [organization]: Texas corrections agency; former executive director testified as expert witness that overcrowding is 'primary cause' of violations (aka: TDCJ) - Texas Government Code § 498.003 [legislation]: Texas good conduct time statute. - Texas Government Code § 508.145 [legislation]: Texas parole eligibility computation statute. - Texas Justice Reinvestment Initiative [program]: 2007 Texas reform effort that diverted prison growth into treatment and community capacity. - Texas Legislative Budget Board [organization]: Texas legislative agency that projected 2007 prison bed needs. (aka: LBB) - The Pew Charitable Trusts [organization]: Policy research organization. Published influential analyses of community supervision as a driver of incarceration, particularly the finding that 55% of Georgia prison admissions in 2015 were probation revocations. (aka: Pew) - Tim Griffin [person]: Arkansas Attorney General who praised the Protect Arkansas Act. (aka: Attorney General Tim Griffin) - U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ) - U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General [organization]: Federal oversight body that reviewed aging inmates in the BOP. (aka: DOJ OIG, Office of the Inspector General) - U.S. Sentencing Commission [organization]: Federal agency that produced the 2017 study on effects of aging on recidivism among 25,431 federal offenders. (aka: USSC) - Utah [organization]: U.S. state; sixth state and first Republican-led state to authorize Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing. - Utah Board of Pardons and Parole [organization]: Utah board that enacted Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing as an administrative rule and administers compassionate release. (aka: Utah Board of Pardons & Parole) - Utah Department of Corrections [organization]: Utah state corrections agency administering earned time credit programs. (aka: UDC) - Vera Institute of Justice [organization]: Research organization focused on criminal justice; published Health Care Behind Bars report (2025) (aka: Vera Institute, Vera) - Vermont [organization]: U.S. state that has cut prison population over 50% from its peak. - Vermont Department of Corrections [organization]: State corrections agency referenced in Maryland diminution report. - Virginia [organization]: U.S. state; enacted geriatric parole in 1994 as part of abolishing discretionary parole; 820 eligible as of July 31, 2022. - Virginia Code § 53.1-202.3 [legislation]: Virginia sentence credit rate and prerequisite statute. - Virginia Department of Corrections [organization]: Virginia state agency responsible for the state prison system, subject to oversight by the Virginia Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman. (aka: VADOC) - Virginia General Assembly [organization]: The state legislature of Virginia. - Virginia State Crime Commission [organization]: Virginia state agency that published a report on parole including geriatric parole data. (aka: VSCC) - Walker State Prison [facility]: A Georgia state prison noted as a positive exception by the DOJ, with fewer incarcerated people reporting fear and a higher proportion of staff positions filled. - Washington State Department of Corrections [organization]: Established a statutorily independent ombuds office and sent staff to Norway for training. - Washington State Institute for Public Policy [organization]: Research organization whose benefit-cost model ranks correctional education as highest-return adult corrections program. (aka: WSIPP) - West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation [organization]: West Virginia state agency subject to good time statute §15A-4-17. - Whitworth Women's Facility [facility]: GDC women's facility targeted in the Chandley Communications recruitment campaign. - William White [person]: Federal prisoner whose habeas petition was denied; Fourth Circuit held he could not earn FSA time credits while in transit. - Wisconsin [organization]: U.S. state that allows sentence credits only for individuals incarcerated in local facilities. - Wisconsin Department of Corrections [organization]: Wisconsin state corrections agency; diverts 10% of prisoners' paychecks for gate money. (aka: WIDOC) - Wisconsin Parole Commission [organization]: Wisconsin agency that paroles eligible inmates upon completion of Earned Release Program treatment. SOURCES (211) ---------------------------------------- - § 24–221.01. Educational good time. | D.C. Law Library, D.C. Law Library [legislation, primary] URL: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/24-221.01 - § 53.1-202.3. Rate at which sentence credits may be earned; prerequisites, Virginia's Legislative Information System [legislation, primary] URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title53.1/chapter6/section53.1-202.3/ - 1​ Minnesota Statutes 2023​ 244.43​, Minnesota Revisor of Statutes (2023-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2023/cite/244.43/pdf - 1​ Minnesota Statutes 2025​ 244.44​, Minnesota Revisor of Statutes (2025-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/244.44/pdf - 18 USC 3632: Development of risk and needs assessment system, U.S. Code [legislation, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260109171448id_/https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title18-section3632&num=0&edition=prelim - 197.045 Credit on sentence for prior confinement, educational accomplishment,, Kentucky Legislature (2021-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50894 - 2009-2010 Bill 1154: Omnibus Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act - South Carolina Legislature Online, South Carolina General Assembly (2010-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess118_2009-2010/bills/1154.htm - 2022 Report (pa.gov), Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/cor/documents/about-us/statistics/reports/2022-recidivism-report.pdf - 21-6821 (ksrevisor.gov), Kansas Revisor of Statutes [legislation, primary] URL: https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_068_0021.html - 3,200 inmates mistakenly released early in Washington | CNN, CNN (2015-12-22) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/22/us/washington-state-inmates-early-release-sentencing-errors/index.html - 41-1604.07 - Earned release credits; forfeiture; restoration; released prisoner health care; annual report, Arizona State Legislature [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/41/01604-07.htm - 8/31/2020 (vscc.virginia.gov), Virginia State Crime Commission (2020-08-31) [official_report, primary] URL: https://vscc.virginia.gov/2020/VSCC%20Presentation%20-%20Earned%20Sentence%20Credits.pdf - 95-4 | Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General of Georgia (1995-01-01) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://law.georgia.gov/opinions/95-4 - A report from June 2014, Pew Charitable Trusts (2014-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.pew.org/-/media/assets/2014/06/04/maxout_report.pdf - ACLU Sues BOP Over Failure to Implement First Step Act Release Credits, Prison Legal News (2025-05-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2025/may/1/aclu-sues-bop-over-failure-implement-first-step-act-release-credits/ - Agency Rule | State Board of Pardons and Paroles, State Board of Pardons and Paroles (2023-05-02) [official_report, primary] URL: https://pap.georgia.gov/press-releases/2023-05-02/agency-rule - Alabama Code Title 14. Criminal Correctional and Detention Facilities SECTION 14-9-41 COMPUTATION OF CORRECTIONAL INCENTIVE TIME DEDUCTIONS; REPORTING REQUIREMENTS | FindLaw, FindLaw [legal_document, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/2024/https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-14-criminal-correctional-and-detention-facilities/al-code-sect-14-9-41/ - Annual report 1976 [1976], Georgia Department of Corrections/Offender Rehabilitation (1976-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1976 - Annual report 1977, Georgia Department of Corrections (1977-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1977 - Attorney General Griffin Praises Protect Arkansas Act - Arkansas Attorney General, Arkansas Attorney General [press_release, primary] URL: https://arkansasag.gov/news-release/attorney-general-griffin-praises-protect-arkansas-act/ - August 22, 2017, California Legislative Analyst's Office (2017-08-22) [official_report, primary] URL: https://lao.ca.gov/handouts/crimjust/2017/Proposition-57-Regulations-082217.pdf - Biennial report 1982-1983, Georgia Board of Corrections (1983-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1982-h83 - Bill Information - Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee General Assembly (2022-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2248&GA=112 - bja.ojp.gov: RAND Correctional Education Meta Analysis, Bureau of Justice Assistance by RAND Corporation [academic, primary] URL: https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/Publications/RAND_Correctional-Education-Meta-Analysis.pdf - bja.ojp.gov: Rand HowEffectiveIsCorrectionalEducation, Bureau of Justice Assistance by RAND Corporation [academic, secondary] URL: https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/Publications/Rand-HowEffectiveIsCorrectionalEducation.pdf - Blackwell v. State, Supreme Court of Georgia, 2018-01-29 (court record via CourtListener), CourtListener (2018-01-29) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/5749925/blackwell-v-state/ - BOP: First Step Act Overview, Federal Bureau of Prisons [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.bop.gov/inmates/fsa/overview.jsp - C.R.S. 17-22.5-405 – Earned time, Colorado Public Law [legislation, primary] URL: https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_17-22.5-405 - Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 15, § 3043 - Credit Earning | State Regulations | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/15-CCR-3043 - Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 15, § 3043.3 - Milestone Completion Credit | State Regulations | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute, Cornell Legal Information Institute [legal_document, primary] URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/15-CCR-3043.3 - California Department (information.auditor.ca.gov), California State Auditor (2018-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://information.auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2018-113.pdf - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Announces Changes to Good Conduct Credits, Staff Misconduct and Disciplinary Process - News Releases, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (2021-01-01) [press_release, primary] URL: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/news/2021/12/08/california-department-of-corrections-and-rehabilitation-announces-changes-to-good-conduct-credits-staff-misconduct-and-disciplinary-process/ - California Penal Code Section 2933.05 - California Attorney Resources - California Laws, law.onecle.com [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://law.onecle.com/california/penal/2933.05.html - California Penal Code section 2933.05 (2025), California Public Law (2025-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://california.public.law/codes/penal_code_section_2933.05 - CD-080400 Earned Meritorious Deductions Issued: 10/17/83 Reviewed: 03/09/26, New Mexico Corrections Department (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.cd.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CD-080400.pdf - CDCR FY2019-20 Recidivism Report, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (2025-04-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/research/wp-content/uploads/sites/174/2025/04/Statewide-Recidivism-Report-for-Individuals-Released-in-Fiscal-Year-2019-20.pdf - CDCR FY2020-21 Recidivism Report, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (2026-08-04) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/news/2026/08/04/cdcr-2020-2021-recidivism-report-proposition-57/ - Chapter 2 1, Kentucky Legislature (2011-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/acts/11RS/documents/0002.pdf - Chapter 45. - Title 61 - PRISONS AND PAROLE, 00.045., Pennsylvania General Assembly [legislation, primary] URL: https://legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/61/00.045..HTM - Chapter 45. - Title 61 - PRISONS AND PAROLE, view statute, Pennsylvania General Assembly [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?iFrame=true&txtType=HTM&ttl=61&div=0&chpt=45 - Chapter 944 Section 275 - 2025 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate, Florida Senate (2025-01-01) [legislation, primary] URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/944.275 - Code of Alabama - Title 14: Criminal Correctional and Detention Facilities - Chapter 9 - Deductions From Sentences - Legal Research, OneCLE [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://law.onecle.com/alabama/title-14/chapter-9/index.html - Code of Alabama - Title 14: Criminal Correctional and Detention Facilities - Section 14-9-41 - Computation of incentive time deductions - Legal Research, OneCLE [legal_document, secondary] URL: https://law.onecle.com/alabama/title-14/14-9-41.html - comptroller.nyc.gov: Economic and Fiscal Benefits of Earned Time Act 1, New York City Comptroller's Office (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/Economic-and-Fiscal-Benefits-of-Earned-Time-Act-1.pdf - Criminal (cjlf.org), Criminal Justice Legal Foundation (2023-01-01) [official_report, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20250911141732id_/https://www.cjlf.org/program/RIB/RinBrief.2023-01.pdf - DC-239 (doc.state.nc.us), North Carolina Department of Correction [official_report, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20250810033653id_/https://www.doc.state.nc.us/publications/inmate%20rule%20book.pdf - Delaware Code Online, State of Delaware [legislation, primary] URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c043/sc08/index.html - Does providing inmates with education improve postrelease outcomes? 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