Attorney General Pam Bondi is co-leading a bipartisan group of 38 state attorneys general supporting criminal justice reform in the federal prison system. Today, the coalition sent a letter, co-authored by Attorney General Bondi, to Congress asking legislative leaders to fully consider criminal justice reforms like those contained in the First Step Act.
“I am proud to co-sponsor this letter supporting a true bipartisan compromise concerning much needed prison reform in our country. The First Step Act will keep so many individuals from returning to prison and help them lead productive lives,” said Attorney General Bondi.
The letter explains that many states have experienced success through state criminal justice reforms similar to those in the First Step Act. The First Step Act would create programs that incentivize federal inmates to participate in recidivism-reducing programs including vocational training and academic courses. The act would also put more tools in the hands of prosecutors.
“This legislation provides additional tools and flexibility to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, better equipping our correctional system to ensure that people coming back into our communities are prepared to do so as responsible citizens who do not pose a risk to our communities,” the attorneys general wrote in the letter to Congress.
View a copy of the letter here.
Attorney General Bondi co-lead the letter to Congressional leaders with the attorneys general from the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Texas and Utah.
