A Senate committee has endorsed a bill that would pave the way for releasing chronically or terminally ill inmates in Iowa prisons. Senator David Miller, a republican from Libertyville, calls it “medical parole.” Miller admits it could reduce expenses, as the move might shift the cost of expensive care from the state to either the inmate, their family or the federal government. But Miller says it also shows a little compassion. Miller says it makes no sense to keep people behind prison walls if they’re on their death bed or in a physical or mental condition that means they pose no threat to others.Miller expects a philosophical debate on the Senate floor. He says “it’s really not humane in some respects” to keep people who’re incapacitated by illness behind bars. Miller says he’s sure there are some people “who could care less if these people rot in prison.” Miller says he’s willing to give the Iowa Board of Parole authority to decide which seriously ill inmates should be released. Miller says he’s sure the board wouldn’t release inmate that pose a threat to others. If the bill becomes law, about 28 inmates would be eligible for early release, including a 19-year-old with cystic fibrosis. Miller says many who would qualify are wheelchair-bound.