A group of “tax watchdogs” and business lobbyists are working to create a program of justice reform. They are hoping to draft legislation that would create alternatives to incarceration, saving taxpayers money and hopefully reducing recidivism. But, they are also bracing for possible opposition from Gov. Rick Scott. [Read more…]
Florida Considers Removal of Some Drug Mandatory Minimums
Some lawmakers are looking to remove mandatory minimum sentences for drug users and allow judges to get back to the business of sentencing. And while the proposition has support on both sides, the Governor is adamant that changing sentencing laws is not the right solution. [Read more…]
Will Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Be Nixed Before Launching?
It’s been almost two years since Florida lawmakers voted to create a prescription drug monitoring database. And yet it still hasn’t taken shape. A new article from the St. Petersburg Times examines all of the variables that have stood to delay the launch of the program and the issues that may be leading to its demise. [Read more…]
Florida Lawmakers Look to Sentencing Reform
In an effort to cut state spending, lawmakers are considering change to criminal sentencing. Among those potential changes—identifying offenders with drug problems and mental health issues, and treating those afflictions through treatment rather than solely through incarceration. [Read more…]