After reviewing recommendations for alternatives to incarceration made by legislative study committees since 1980, the report discusses alternative programs for alcohol and drug offenders. 'Boot camp' incarceration as an alternative to the traditional prison regimen is also considered. House arrest and innovative treatment forms for sex offenders are explored as alternatives to incarceration. Other pertinent issues and alternatives discussed are parole and sentencing guidelines, earlier parole for nonviolent offenders, expanded prison honor camps and restitution centers, extended work release programs, halfway houses for probationers and parolees, intensive probation supervision, shorter sentences, shock probation, and intermittent confinement. Appendixes discuss the Minnesota sentencing guidelines grid, electronic monitoring equipment, and an overview of options for reducing prison overcrowding. 26 references.