A pair of bills that would shorten the length of some prison sentences cleared the House Monday and are headed to the governor's desk.

The bills would reduce sentences for some offenders in order to create more prison space and help reduce the prison overcrowding that is steadily growing.

Republicans scolded Democrats during debate for pushing changes that could trim months or years off some sentences.

"The last thing we want to do is say, 'We want to save some money so we’ll let some people out a little early,'" said Rep. Tim Moore, a Cleveland County Republican.

Democrats responded that the legislation was backed by the state's sheriffs, prosecutors and sentencing commission.

"This is a bill that is trying to balance, in a reasonable way, dealing with the overpopulation of prisons," said Rep. Rick Glazier, a Fayetteville Democrat.