Otter Signs Prison Reform Bill

(BOISE, ID) – Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has signed a bill aimed at reducing the state’s high incarceration rate and saving money on prison spending. The law requires judges to take into account whether or not the defendant poses a risk of reoffending when determining punishments. Proponents believe it will keep more low-risk and non-violent offenders out of prison and introduce more stringent probation standards to keep low-risk convicts accountable. Probation officers will also have more authority to levy swift sanctions against violators without waiting months for a court hearing.