As expected, the public is divided on prison reform.

Bipartisan state lawmakers want to save money by reducing prison populations.

But others argue this will threaten crime victims and the public’s safety.

A 200-page bill would:

• Give non-violent criminals early prison release.

• Automatically parole non-violent inmates who meet certain qualifications.

• End mandatory-minimum sentences for certain drug and other crimes.

Advocates say the bill will save tax dollars and ease needs for prison staff, The State newspaper reported.

In 2009, inmates had jumped to more than 25,000 and costs soared to $394 million from $64 million.

By last year, about 19,000 inmates remained behind bars in state prisons.

Erica Felder of Hearts for Inmates said, “More prison time is not the answer. We have to allow these people to earn their way back.”

Laura Hudson of the SC Crime Victims Council counters it “will promote more criminal behavior and foster further mistrust of the criminal justice system. It is hiding the truth and endangering the public that’s been led to believe they are safe from an individual criminal.”

Advocates argue the bill:

• Will not remove any rights given to crime victims under a Victims’ Bill of Rights more than 80% of voters approved in 1996.

After the 2010 reforms, the number of inmates who committed crimes after release from prison dropped and taxpayers saved more than $400 million.

• Would give judges more discretion in sentencing nonviolent offenders, particularly for drug offenses.

•Will motivate inmates sentenced for minor offenses to take training to qualify for jobs after leaving prison.

• Make inmates convicted of a “no-parole offense” except those on death row or with life sentences eligible for early release after serving 65% percent of their time.

• Let inmates reduce sentences through work, education and good behavior.

• Allows inmates to earn up to 6 days a month of “good credit” up from 3 now, to reduce their sentences.

They can earn up to 144 days a year for work and education, up from 72 now.

• Allow non-violent, non-sex offenders without a disciplinary infraction in a year to be released on parole without a hearing unless a victim requests one.