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.
To read the report, download the PDF below.
Related Posts
news
March 31, 2021
Race & Justice News: Maryland Will Test Racial Impact Statements
Whites became more punitive near large Black populations in post-Jim Crow era, Maryland will test racial impact statements to assess legislation, Virginia police task force discontinues use of gang database, and more in Race & Justice News.
news
March 25, 2021
Voting Rights News: Oregon Considers Universal Suffrage
The Sentencing Project worked closely with state coalitions in Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota and Texas to expand voting rights to citizens with felony convictions. We developed a series of briefing papers highlighting each state’s voter exclusion policies and the laws’ impact on citizens with criminal legal involvement.
