Felons could get harsher penalties

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A plan to overhaul Indiana's criminal sentencing laws is moving through the Indiana Legislature. And, it already has broad bipartisan support.

This proposal is part of an effort to rewrite sentencing guidelines. Lawmakers say they want to make sure murderers and other violent felons are serving their time.   

Hoosier lawmakers are looking for ways to keep violent criminals behind bars longer.

They also want to give low-level criminals a chance to avoid prison. Right now, many felons are only serving half of their sentences. The proposal would require violent felons to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences, our sister station WTHI reports.

"The worst of the worst, the people at the top, they're going to serve more time. We've enhanced those penalties," said Representative Matt Pierce.

The bill would also reduce sentences for some lesser crimes.

But the bill's author says the main emphasis will be to keep violent felons locked up.

"We've also reduced the credit time you can earn for from getting a college degree from four years to two. The goal is certainty in sentencings," said Representative Greg STeuerwald, author of the bill.

Some leaders are worried about having the money to pay for more probation officers and potentially more prisoners for local jails.

But supporters say the proposal gives victims a better idea of exactly what the perpetrator will serve and help with prison overcrowding.

The bill was passed unanimously in committee. The Indiana House is scheduled to vote Monday on whether to approve the bill. It will then be sent to the Senate.