Gov. Phil Bryant says he'll support efforts to reduce the number of Mississippians in prison in the 2019 legislative session. Trip Burns/File Photo Photo by Trip Burns/File Photo
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Gov. Phil Bryant says he'll support efforts to reduce the number of Mississippians in prison in the 2019 legislative session.
The Republican made the remarks Tuesday at a meeting on criminal justice reform put on by a coalition of groups that favor changes to reduce harshness in the criminal justice system.
Among issues lawmakers could consider are spending more on re-entry programs, education, substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment to help people coming out of prison from returning.
Mississippi lawmakers could also be asked to set up a statewide public defender system to improve legal representation for people accused of crimes.
Bryant is a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and is hailing progress on a proposal that would reduce some punitive prison sentenced for federal crimes.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
More like this story
- Governor Vetoes Opioid, Crime Reforms After Signing Reentry Law
- Miss. Legislators OK Final Version of Justice Bill
- Election-Year Lawmaking: What Will Happen?
- Bryant: GOP Would've 'Hollered' If Obama Pushed Criminal Reform
- 'Extreme' Prison Terms Must Be Focus for New Mississippi Leaders, Reformers Say
Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.
