A bill that would expand the transition program for non-violent prisoners passed the Arizona Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday. It would increase the three-month early release program to eventually include 5,000 non-violent qualifying inmates.

Data shows prisoners who have completed it have lower rates of recidivism. Senator Steve Pierce sponsored the bill.

"I strongly believe in treatment, not in incarceration," he said. "I think a lot of people we have locked up who need treatment, drug and alcohol or [other] treatment so they become citizens from being inmates.”

The program also includes counseling for anger management, parenting skills and job placement. 

Updated 2/20/2015 at 11:00 AM