Local officials are objecting to a House cost-cutting proposal to speed the release of some nonviolent Kentucky prisoners.

They're claiming in a letter to lawmakers, that counties would take a financial hit if the state inmate population dwindles in local lockups.

The letter from several local government groups, estimates the early release of those inmates would cost Kentucky's counties more than $20-million-a-year.

Many of the prisoners are held in county jails. The state pays those jails a fee to house state inmates.

The letter said the early-release initiative would have a "dramatic effect" on county jail budgets.

The letter also raised public safety concerns with the House-backed plan.