Idaho Bill Aims to Reduce Prison Population

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho aims to slow prison growth and save $288 million over five years with a justice-system overhaul meant to help nonviolent offenders complete parole and probation successfully, keeping them from being warehoused behind bars. The measure, slated to cost $2.3 million initially, was introduced Wednesday in the Senate Judiciary Committee. It aims to strengthen supervision and reduce recidivism. Prosecutors from Idaho's 44 counties had been concerned the original proposal could have given violent offenders an easier path to release. Holly Koole, their lobbyist, now says prosecutors are on board. Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, the Republican sponsor, lauded the measure as one of the few times she can recall where "all three branches of government are working together to try and craft something that will help save lives and change lives."