The FIRST STEP Act
PRISON REFORM
First Step Act – sentencing reforms of the criminal justice system to end mass incarceration
The 2018 First Step Act eases ease federal ‘three strikes’ from life to 25 years, gives judges discretion on mandatory minimums for non-violent crimes and drug offenses, and is retroactive to cover offenses under the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 (Obama-Biden) – over 90% affected and will be benefitted are Black Americans.
First Step Act under Trump-Pence reforms the Obama-Biden Fair Sentencing Act in order to address inequities in sentencing laws that disproportionately harmed Black Americans and to reform mandatory minimums that created unfair outcomes.
Mandatory minimum sentences for drug felonies reduced
Early-release programs expansion
Job-training opportunities increases with rehabilitative programs to rejoin society successfully.
Ready to Work Initiative to help connect employers directly with former prisoners.
Second-change hiring promotion to give former inmates the opportunity to live crime-free lives and find meaningful employment.
Treat prisoners humanely provisions including halting solitary confinement for juveniles