releases: https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400045
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400045 | Criminal Justice Reform Bill Passes House, Heads to President's Desk | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after the First Step Act passed the House and now heads to the president's desk for signature. This is the first reform of our federal prisons and sentencing laws in decades.For years, lawmakers, including myself, have advocated for reforming our criminal justice system and today, it's becoming a reality, said Davis. This bill fixes some of the biggest injustices within the system that have led to increased recidivism rates and left a bigger bill for taxpayers. We would not have gotten this bill across the finish line without leadership from within the White House, Democrat and Republican members of Congress, and a variety of outside groups coming together to unite around re-focusing the system on rehabilitation and giving millions a second chance. It's a great example of what our government can accomplish when we set politics aside and commit to governing. The First Step Act provides individualized assessments to federal offenders in order to tailor programming that best meets their needs, and offers programs to inmates that include: vocational training, education support, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, anger-management courses, faith-based initiatives, and other resources proven to lower the chance of recidivism.. The bill uses evidence based systems modeled on reforms in states like Georgia, Texas, and Kentucky. Additionally, it contains sentencing reform provisions, including reducing the enhanced penalties for certain non-violent repeat drug offenders and eliminates the three-strike mandatory life provision, but it is not retroactive. Also, certain nonviolent offenders will be able to petition courts for a review of their sentence, which can be reduced only after the judge reviews all circumstances, including public safety, criminal history, and the nature of the offense. Supported by: The Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National District Attorney's Association, Former Federal Prosecutors, FreedomWorks, Faith & Freedom Coalition, Prison Fellowship, American Conservative Union, American Correctional Association, Americans for Prosperity, Charles Koch Institute, Heritage Action, Right on Crime, Texas Public Policy Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, and more. Background Davis has worked on bipartisan criminal justice reform since coming to Congress and has cosponsored the Second Chance Reauthorization Act the past two Congresses. In August, Davis visited the Decatur Women's Correctional Center to highlight programs the facility offers to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates make a smooth transition back into society. Related: Davis Backs Sentencing Reform Provisions Added to Criminal Justice Reform Bill | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |