Committee Hears Work-for-Time Bill

This week, the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee heard HB 2088 that would allow certain offenders to earn work-for-time credits as a way to shorten their parole or probation. Known as the Earning Safe Reentry Through Work Act of 2021, sponsored by Rep. Derek Grier (R-Chesterfield), the bill allows offenders to accrue twenty work-for-time credits for every thirty-day period in which the offender maintains employment. The offender must show credible proof of eligible employment to get credit for working.

Numerous witnesses, including the Missouri Catholic Conference, testified in support of the bill. Witnesses stated that the bill encourages work, reduces offender recidivism and helps to make our communities safer. The committee took no action on the bill.