Conn. GOP to hold public hearing on prison credits

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Republican legislators are holding a public hearing on the state's new program allowing inmates to earn credit toward early release for good behavior.

House and Senate GOP leaders, as well as members of the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee, are scheduled to attend Tuesday's hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford at 11 a.m. Michelle Cruz, the state victims' advocate, is expected to address the legislators and answer questions.

The legislature approved the program in 2011, which allows inmates to earn up to a maximum of five days a month off their sentence for complying with certain programs and for their accompanying good behavior. The credits can be revoked.

Some Republicans have criticized the new initiative, claiming rapists and child molesters could become eligible for early release from prison.