EARLY RELEASE PROPOSED FOR SOME DRUG OFFENDERS

ALBANY (AP) - Gov. George E. Pataki wants to offer well-behaved drug
offenders the chance to get out of prison early and cut their parole
time, in a move that would save the state millions of dollars.

The Republican governor's 2003-04 budget proposal, presented
Wednesday, includes legislation that would reduce the prison
population by about 1,300 inmates over the next fiscal year.

The measure would allow A-1 drug offenders - felons convicted of
selling at least 2 ounces of an illegal drug, or possessing at least 4
ounces - to be released after 10 years if they have exemplary prison
records. They currently serve sentences of 15 years to life mandated
by the drug laws adopted under former Gov. Nelson Rockefeller.

To reduce their sentences, nonviolent inmates must take classes and
prove they can find a job and a place to live after their release.

Pataki's proposal would allow Division of Parole officials to end
parole terms of released A-1 inmates after two years, down from three.
Prisoners released after serving time for minor felonies could end
their parole after one year, instead of five.