Testimony in Support to HB 2831 and HB 2695 – Expansion of Good and Earned Time Credit

Date: January 27, 2026

To: Representative Don Mayhew and the Members of the House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee 

From: Jerika White, Empower Missouri

RE: Support for HB 2831 and HB 2695

As the largest and oldest anti-poverty non-profit in our state, Empower Missouri is committed to improving the quality of life for all Missouri residents through advocacy. Since our inception, Empower Missouri has focused on the criminal justice system and its impacts. Our Community Justice Coalition consists of community advocates and organizations from across the state who work with those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. Many coalition members are formerly incarcerated or have currently incarcerated loved ones, and all are connected by a vision for a future without mass incarceration.

HBs 2831 and 2695 would expand the ability for individuals committed to the Department of Corrections to earn good time and earned time credit. This expansion would have a positive impact on incarcerated individuals, their loved ones, the environment within correctional facilities, and ultimately, Missouri communities. The availability of such credits based on the merits of a person’s behavior can make the prison environment safer for other incarcerated individuals and correctional officers.  By incentivizing good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior, good time credits help incarcerated individuals develop positive habits that lead to reduced recidivism outcomes after their release.  The earned time programs named in these bills incorporate educational opportunities, vocational training, and rehabilitation, all critical elements in preparing individuals for reentry and improving community safety for all. 

In order to ensure that these bills and other legislation have the intended impact of promoting program participation for incarcerated individuals (thereby reducing recidivism), the legislature may also consider increased resources for rehabilitative and educational programs in the Department of Corrections. We trust the legislature will consider this as part of the appropriations process. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to pass HBs 2831 and 2695 out of this committee.