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.
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