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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The agency overseeing South Carolina's prisons has won approval to run a deficit of up to $29 million this year.

At least one powerful lawmaker is encouraging the Corrections Department to consider the early release of nonviolent offenders.

The Budget and Control Board agreed Tuesday to let the agency spend more money than it has in its budget after midyear reductions.

Board member and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman of Florence says it's time for the Corrections Department to look at the early release of nonviolent inmates.

Prisons director Jon Ozmint says he'll meet with Leatherman. Ozmint says he isn't sure he can release inmates early without a new law. Ozmint's boss, Gov. Mark Sanford, is leery of early releases because of concerns about crime victims.

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