WSMV Channel 4 Plan would mandate jail time for repeat domestic offenders

Plan would mandate jail time for repeat domestic offenders

The governor's plan to mandate jail time for repeat domestic offenders has hit a roadblock because of the cost to local communities.

Cities and counties are worried it could cost millions to house those offenders in jails that are already overcrowded.

While they support the idea in principle, they want the state to provide them with the money to make it a reality, and many lawmakers shared those concerns.

"I think the bill's a great bill, but once again we're mandating more costs to our counties that they don't have the money for," said State Rep. Rick Womick, R-Rockvale.

The plan was delayed for a week so lawmakers could try and work out some of the issues.

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