The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, March 12, 1975, Page page 13, Image 13
Prisoners' rights discussed By Jim Zalewski The majority of those testifying before the Judiciary Committee of the Legislature favored passage of three bills that would give prison inmates more rights in certain release procedures. LB567, providing sentence reduction for "good time" served by inmates, by far drew the most controversy and discussion. Committee members and witnesses could not agree on the implications of the bill which would replace a law passed in 1969. Charles Cunningham, administrative assistant for the State Department of Correctional Services (DCS), said LB567 gives the prisoner a discharge date if he keeps, on "good behavior." "This makes the inmate no longer completely dependent on the records office," Cunningham said. "Good time" laws were enacted essentially as behavioral modification tools,, according to Joe Vitek, DCS director. No release date "A man never really has a definite release date under the current system," Vitek said. . The "good time" allowance provides the prisoner with an incentive to get out earlier, which helps prevent discipline problems within the prison, Vitek said. Under the present law, parolees are dealt with harshly if brought back for even a technical violation of their parole terms, Vitek said. Though the governor hasn't openly stated approval of LB567, Vitek said Gov. Exon gave him the authority to establish the best program in the interest of public welfare. Governor agrees "1 believe the governor would be in concert with what I have said today," Vitek said. The bill is constitutional, Vitek said, but making it retroactive may require approval of the pardon board. Eugene Neal, a member of the State Parole Board, said the bill contributes greatly to the control of inmate discipline, but he does not favor LB567. "I'm not in favor of the present law, but I'm not totally ASUN Agenda Today, 6 p.m. Nebraska Union II. III. IV V. Senate action committee Roll call and approval of minutes Executive report A. Minority affairs problems B. Scheduling of ASUN election debate C. Planning the anti-litter program D. Discussion on library lending code Old business-discussion on CSL members terms New business A. Resolution no. 57 control of beverage containers. B. Resolution no. 58 -donation of S500 C. Resolution no. 59 - support of national committee for the tax deduction of tuition fees and donation of Si 75. D. Resolution no. 60 - Clarification of when the proposed ASUN constitutional amendment takes effect E. Resolution no. 61 - Supporting abolishment of the parking lots north of the union VI. Announcements help is needed to arrange files in the office. - support of LB 505 dealing with support of UN Rowing Crew and a in favor of 567 either," Neal said. "Good time shouldn't be awarded if a paroled man commits a new crime, but it would be under LB567." An amendment is needed to assist the' parole board in getting the parolee to meet his parole obligations, Neal said. An inmate should be given credit for all he has earned, but if he ignores his parole terms, Neal said, the inmate should be made to serve his full term. "Nobody understands" "If a man disregards a parole officer's efforts and has to be returned to prison, it is hard to understand how that individual can be awarded good time from the day he broke parole," Neal said. "We can't apply the law today because it is evident nobody understands it," Chairman Roland Luedtke said. Times and penalities should be specified, said Robert Parrett, Nebraska Penal Complex warden, testifying in favor of the bill. In -other action; no opposition was voiced against LB567, a bill which would permit inmates to retain their driver's license if convicted for a non-driving crime. Higher premiums The present law forces higher insurance premiums and other administrative problems on the inmate when he is released and re-applys for his license, according to Sen. Gary Anderson of Axtell, the bill's introducer. Vitek said the State Department of Motor Vehicles favors passage of LB569. "It is a very cumbersome procedure getting every one of the former inmates a new license," Vitek said. LB570, which would permit an inmate to retain his professional license if confictcu of a felony not dealing with his profession, drew support from Vitek and Don Bell, a former inmate who was denied his barber's license when released. I15ffM8fll,lirSI it abuaat If you think you have the ability and desire to master nuclear engineering, the Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program has openings for about 200 outstanding college graduates. There's a Navy Recruting Officer ready to give you all the details on how you can become someone special in the new Navy. ft will hn interviewing on ymr carps Parch 18 & 13. To trrisge an interviaw, contact your placement office or call coSact (HM) 221-83S3 lt. daye mm 6313 Pacific St. Overland VcSf Suite C3 OEiiha, to. 681C3 I 3 t's rodeo time again in Lincoln! On April 11 & 12 it's our 8th annual NIRA approved rodeo in the Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds. The evening performances begin at 8:00 and the Saturday afternoon rodeo begins at 1:30. Come join the fun! UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA RODEO CLUB I mrnmtmtmvmimmimmili ilk Iff iuwi f "It represents some of the finest work Fellini has y ever done which also means that it stands with the best that anyone in films has ever achieved." Time Magazine . f O n o o o ROGER CORMAN Presents koi DlecMbyFEDERICO FELLINI ss H ACADEMY AWARD iinmiiaTiniip v liUMSHflllUHO bLLLN BURSTYN g KRIS KRISTOFFERSON m SUCE I I LKJhSN UVfc Hfckfc ANYMORE 1 rs 0 ENDS SOON PG TECHNICOLOR ROB INGLIS IN f Iffl EMO (MI FMftSY AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION 8:00 pm friday, mar. 1 4 union centennial room $1 at the door JKnil page 13 Wednesday, march 12, 1975 daily nebraskan