Missouri Governor Parson, a former sheriff, has always been in favor of “reform[ing]… Missouri’s criminal justice system.” Now that he’s Governor, he can make that happen, starting with two seemingly simple laws that were enacted Tuesday, July 9, which could make several hundred Missouri prisoners eligible for parole. Parson has touted these laws as part of the answer to reforming the criminal justice system in the state; the law itself will help nonviolent criminals serve less time in jail. These laws come on the heels of a national wave of more lenient prison sentences, especially for low-level criminals.<\/p>\n
“I understand the challenges facing those working within the criminal justice system, and we have to do a better job,” [1]<\/sup><\/a> said Governor Parson when signing the bill on Tuesday. The new law will exempt some of the “nonviolent” offenses that, if committed, the state requires at least 40 percent of the prison term to be served. Depending on past records, the criminal could have to serve 80 percent of the prison term. These laws could immediately make Missouri prisoners eligible for parole, early release, or probation, when they take effect on August 28.<\/p>\n As a former sheriff and law enforcement officer, I understand the challenges facing those working in criminal justice.<\/p>\n Today, we signed 11 pieces of legislation into law, including two major criminal justice reform bills. #MissouriForward<\/a><\/p>\n 🔗https:\/\/t.co\/aDXFgL0SK7<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/D830wpnLJ2<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) July 9, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n