TALLAHASSEE — A proposed piece of legislation to be introduced in the Florida state legislature would allow some inmates over 65 to be released.

House Bill 78, sponsored by Representative Katie Edwards, would allow inmates who are currently incarcerated for non-violent crimes and have no prior violations be eligible to appear before a commission to determine if they are fit to be released.  Inmates serving time for violent crimes would not qualify.

Supporters have stated in published reports that an inmate over the age of 65 costs 3-times as much to hold than younger inmates due mostly to health costs.  For example, one report noted that 20% of all inmates are over age 65, yet those 20% account for 50% of the health care costs the prison system bears.

Supporters note that releasing just 30 inmates under this program would save Florida taxpayers over $1 million a year, funds which could then be used for requested upgrades in transportation, new corrections officers and additional mental health treatments.

Florida currently holds about 100,000 inmates across the state.  The program purports savings of up to $40 million a year for the state.