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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A proposal that includes several reforms to Utah's criminal justice system has passed its first hurdle in the statehouse.
Lawmakers approved the bill Friday in a committee meeting. The proposal from Kearns Republican Eric Hutchings now goes to the entire House for consideration.
The package of reforms proposed by Hutchings is designed to reduce Utah's prison population and is expected to lower the cost of the state prison relocation. The bill includes measures to improve treatment for criminals with mental health problems and provide incentives for good behavior. It would also decrease penalties for certain drug-related offenses.
Hutchings said he made several revisions to his proposal after getting feedback from prosecutors and law enforcement officials. Several of those people attended Friday's hearing to speak in favor of the bill.
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Online: HB 348: http://1.usa.gov/1G15Urf
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