By KRWG News
Texas – Texas lawmakers are discussing whether releasing nonviolent convicts is a money-saving way to help deal with a projected $15 billion state budget shortfall.
Senate Criminal Justice Committee Chairman John Whitmire of Houston says the state does not have the resources to continue business as usual in Texas. Whitmire said Tuesday that "everything is on the table for discussion this year."
The Austin American-Statesman reports lawmakers are considering whether nonviolent foreign citizens who are up for parole and old, ill convicts might be considered for early released.
Police, prosecutors and crime victims groups are urging caution in paroling any more convicts.
House Corrections Committee chairman Jerry Madden of Richardson says whatever lawmakers decide, it should not compromise public safety.
A 2009 legislative study urged that additional medical paroles be considered.
___
Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.