Drug Court plan approved

Friday, May 28, 1999 | 11:44 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Assembly Ways and Means Committee today approved Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan to release up to 150 nonviolent inmates from the state prison to be supervised by the drug courts in Las Vegas and Reno.

Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, told prison officials she wants documentation after the program gets started that it will save money.

District Judge Jack Lehman of Las Vegas told the committee Thursday the inmates would be under strict supervision. They undergo intensive drug testing and counseling. Judges in Las Vegas and Reno can now place offenders in the program instead of sending them to prison.

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