During 2009, state legislatures in at least 19 states enacted policies that hold the potential to reduce prison populations and/or promote more effective approaches to public safety.
With states around the nation experiencing significant fiscal crises, legislators are increasingly interested in prioritizing available resources as they affect how states direct scarce correctional dollars.
As a result, many states are rethinking their sentencing policies in order to develop fair and effective approaches to strengthen public safety. Legislative initiatives to address prison overcrowding, parole policies and sentencing alternatives are increasingly at the forefront of state criminal justice agendas.
During 2009, state legislatures in at least 19 states enacted policies that hold the potential to reduce prison populations and/or promote more effective approaches to public safety. This report examines these initiatives in sentencing reform, death penalty, probation and parole practices, and juvenile justice.
Oregon ballot measure tackles racial disparities in drug possession enforcement, San Francisco will respond to behavioral crisis calls without police, Black Kansas City residents cite distrust of police as contributor to gun violence, and more in Race & Justice News.
The Sentencing Project convened a national day of action in commemoration of the 49th anniversary of the Attica uprising and to demand life sentenced prisoners be included in COVID-19-related decarceration efforts. Groups around the country organized grassroots actions in support of prison releases.
