ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A major bill of Maryland's legislative session that aims to save money in the state's correctional system and invest in drug treatment has passed the Senate.
The Senate voted 46-0 for the bill Thursday, sending it to the House of Delegates.
While few lawmakers say they are completely happy with it, many say the bill makes a lot of progress and takes a comprehensive approach to reducing recidivism.
The measure stirred debate earlier this week, because the bill was changed a week ago in a way that critics say reduced savings. But supporters say there's still time to make changes as the House considers the complicated 84-page bill.
Supporters of the changes also say they were needed to ensure public safety, and that the bill still makes major progress.
