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Bill

SB 217

Establish work time credit for probationers and parolees

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Zolnikov

Montana law now allows probationers and parolees to earn credits reducing supervision time through documented employment, incentivizing work and potentially accelerating reentry.

Chapter Number Assigned
#corrections
0
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Bill Summary · SB 217

Legislative bill overview

SB 217 establishes a work time credit system for individuals on probation or parole in Montana, allowing them to reduce their supervision periods through documented employment. The bill creates a mechanism whereby probationers and parolees can earn credits toward early release or reduced monitoring based on hours worked and maintained employment.

Why is this important

This policy directly affects thousands of Montanans under criminal justice supervision, potentially shortening reentry timelines and reducing recidivism by incentivizing stable employment. It also addresses workforce participation gaps while reducing the long-term financial burden on the state's probation and parole system.

Potential points of contention

  • Work availability disparity: Rural and economically disadvantaged probationers may have fewer employment opportunities, creating unequal access to earned credits and raising equity concerns
  • Incentive structure concerns: Critics may argue the credits reward basic employment compliance rather than addressing underlying rehabilitation needs or education/skills development
  • Administrative burden: Implementation requires robust tracking systems and verification protocols to prevent fraud, potentially increasing administrative costs for supervision agencies
  • Public safety questions: Some may worry that accelerated release timelines could compromise victim protection or recidivism prevention if employment credits overshadow behavioral assessments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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