Indiana legislature seeks sentencing options

With support from both Republicans and Democrats, the state Legislature is moving forward with major revisions, implementing a new approach, what is called “justice reinvestment.” The goals: punishment that better fits the crime, locally based and mandated addiction and mental health treatment programs and long-term imprisonment for violent and chronic offenders.

“There’s no difference between some of the most conservative members and the most liberal members on this issue,” said State Rep. Matt Pierce, a Bloomington Democrat.

The concept switches things up, said Pierce, who for the past few years has focused on the criminal code overhaul, the first in more than three decades. Reducing prison costs by putting fewer criminals behind bars, he said, will free up money to fund local programs aimed at redirecting the lives of people who break the law.