THE ISSUE: The Kentucky Supreme Court has selected nine counties to try a plan that would allow some misdemeanor offenders to post bail immediately instead of going to jail.

OUR VIEW: The plan, which could save Kentucky $150 million, is a good solution to several of the state’s problems and should be considered for statewide implementation later next year.

With the state budget in shambles, Kentucky officials should be commended for their recent creativity in designing plans that would help the state save and generate more money.

On the heels of a slots bill that would generate millions in taxable revenue, the state’s plan for immediate bail would save money and help reduce overcrowding in state jails.

The Administrative Office of the Courts estimates the plan could save Kentucky more than $400,000 a day.

Officials should consider applying the new savings to areas most affected by the budget shortfall, including higher education, which could use additional funding after drastic cuts this year.

The plan would allow only those people who commit nonviolent crimes to post bail.

While that does mean the potential for an increased risk to public safety, the state has taken the correct approach in testing the plan in nine of Kentucky’s smaller counties.

After six months, officials can re-evaluate the initiative to see if there are any added safety risks, and if there are, determine if those risks outweigh any benefits the plan might have yielded.

Should the plan live up to its potential after six months, a progressive implementation in other parts of the state should be the next step that officials consider.

Starting the program in larger counties such as Fayette, Jefferson and Warren after 12 months would undoubtedly bolster that $150 million savings expected from the original nine counties.

Officials might also consider taking the plan further if it proves successful.

Developing alternative punishments to jail time, such as manual labor and community service, would also lower jail costs by reducing the number of people behind bars.

Also, if a misdemeanor offender is unable to post bail immediately, they will be allowed to work off the bail amount in community service instead, which could help achieve the plan’s goal.

Looking at the money-saving potential of this plan, the Herald only has one suggestion for state officials:

Keep the ideas coming.

This editorial represents the majority opinion of the Herald’s 11-member editorial board.