Senate commitee approves good time bill

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Senate House Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that would stop some violent offenders from becoming eligible for a reduced sentence through good behavior.

State Senator Susan Sosnowski of District 37, representing South Kingstown and New Shoreham, introduced the bill last week.

Supporting the legislation is the Foreman family of South Kingstown, whose lives have been impacted not only by their son's killer, but now by so-called "good time credits."

Last year, it came to the family's attention that convicted child killer Michael Woodmansee had been able to shave off 12 years from his 40 year prison sentence.

Woodmansee was convicted in 1975 in the brutal murder of his 5-year old neighbor Jason Foreman.

Despite public outcry, Woodmansee was released last August, but only to enter into a state mental health facility.

Senator Sosnowski says she hopes her proposed legislation will prevent a similar injustice from occurring.

"When one of my constituents loses an innocent child and his killer is set to be released years before paying his full dues to society, I know I must do my duty as a lawmaker in this state to stand up for what's right," said Sen. Sosnowski.

Under the legislation, inmates who are serving one or multiple terms for murder, kidnapping of a minor, first degree sexual assault, or first or second degree child molestation would not be eligible to earn time off for good behavior.

If enacted into law, the bill would go into effect on July 1, 2012. 

The legislation is not retroactive, and would only apply to prisoner's good time credits awarded after that date.

The bill now moves to the full senate for a vote next week.

The House Judiciary Committee is considering similar changes to the existing law.