Bill will boost prison time for armed robbery

People convicted of armed robbery would be required to serve most of their sentences in prison under legislation headed to the governor for his consideration.
Lawmakers worked out differences in the proposal and sent it to Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen on Friday. He’s expected to review the legislation once it reaches his desk.
The measure would increase the minimum time served for aggravated robbery with a weapon from 30 percent of the sentence to 70 percent.
Sponsors say the change would mean offenders would serve at least six years, up from the current minimum of 2.4 years.
The bill would pay for the longer prison time by transferring sentences for first-time convictions for 19 nonviolent felonies to community corrections programs. The measure is supported by the state’s police chiefs and by prosecutors.