March 13th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

West Virginia lawmakers want to increase the length of prison sentences for serious crimes such as murder. But, justice advocates say it likely won’t serve as a deterrent but could cause overcrowding in the prison system. Senate Bill 136 is in the House for consideration. Ken Matthews with American Friends Services says extending sentences would pack prisons with more inmates waiting for conditional release…

   

“Increasing penalties for offenses will create an increase in the prison population that’s already overpopulated and create an increase in the aging population in the state, which is also overpopulated.”