WASHINGTON (AP) — Inmates could get credits for taking part in programs like education or job training under legislation advanced by a House panel.

A bipartisan measure was approved Thursday by the House Judiciary Committee. It's designed to help prisoners succeed after their release and keep them from returning to prison. Some low-risk inmates could earn credits toward release into halfway houses or home confinement if they participate in prison programs like academic classes, job training, community service or behavioral treatment.

It's part of a larger criminal justice overhaul the judiciary panel is passing piece by piece. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a comprehensive bill in October that included similar efforts to curb recidivism.