TX seeks early release for more sick inmates

Sick inmates are being sent home to their families, hospitals or nursing homes at record levels in Texas. The state is seeking early medical release, known as medically recommended intensive supervision, for a growing number of sick inmates. The parole board approved 85 medical releases in fiscal 2011—the most in five years and more than double the 40 approved in 2009, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Some prosecutors and victims' rights advocates, however, contend that the state is trying to balance its budget on the backs of crime victims.