MOSCOW, October 7 (RAPSI) - The implementation of a new community service bill may be delayed yet again, this time as far as 2017.

A bill establishing community service as a punitive option was adopted by the State Duma in November 2011. Community service assignments ranging in duration from two months to five years were proposed as an alternative to liability for minor crimes and certain first-time offenses.

This measure was proposed as a way to give the courts more flexibility in assigning liability by means of sanctions other than prison time. The new measures were expected to take effect in 2013.

However, President Vladimir Putin later signed a law that postponed the new measures until January 1, 2014. The lawmakers explained the delay with the lack of specially trained employees to monitor and enforce the measures, and a lack of funding.