The Newsletter [[link removed]]
FAMM State Work Round-Up: May 2024
FAMM is committed to sentencing reform, second chances, and prison oversight nationwide. We got our start in the federal system but have expanded our work to several target states.
Starting today, we will begin sending a regular update on what FAMM is working on at the state level. You can expect these newsletters quarterly, in addition to our usual correspondence on legislation and calls to action. If you’d like to opt out of these newsletters, you can do so here: [link removed] [[link removed]]
Here’s a round-up of what’s happened so far in our state work in 2024:
[[link removed]] Alabama
FAMM supports creating independent prison oversight in Alabama, which has one of the most dangerous prison systems in the nation. We submitted testimony, asked lawmakers to #VisitAPrison, and helped put national attention on the crisis. Efforts are starting to pay off: SB 322 passed the Senate and is heading to the House. This bill would give families more direct contact with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and beef up prison oversight. We also supported a bill that would've given more second look opportunities for “habitual offenders,” but it did not pass. The Alabama legislature is in session until late May.
[[link removed]] California
FAMM supports second look reforms in California, particularly SB 94, which would give certain people sentenced to life without parole prior to 1996 the opportunity for resentencing before a judge. We are also working to get more media access into prisons so the public and decision-makers can see what conditions are really like. The California legislature is in session until August.
[[link removed]] Illinois
FAMM is working hard on second look legislation in Illinois through SB 2129/HB 3373. Called the Earned Reentry bill, this would provide a systematic, safe review process for all people currently in prison. We're also supporting an independent prison oversight bill that includes many provisions from our model legislation, restoring incentives to incarcerated individuals through the reform of truth-in-sentencing, and opposing attempts to create and expand mandatory minimums. The Illinois legislature is in session until the end of May.
[[link removed]] Maryland
The Maryland legislative session is already over, and it was successful. FAMM submitted testimony and visited the Capitol several times in support of SB 134/HB 297 to implement independent prison oversight. The bill passed both chambers! We are waiting for Gov. Wes Moore to sign the bill, and when that happens, the state will get an independent corrections ombudsperson.
[[link removed]] Michigan
FAMM supports SB 599, which would allow more people to get released for being “medically frail.” We testified in support of the bill several times, and visited the Capitol this past week to talk to lawmakers and corrections officials about the importance of compassionate release for families and taxpayers. The Michigan legislature is in session until December.
[[link removed]] Missouri
FAMM is working hard to end the crack powder sentencing disparity in Missouri this year after coming very close last session. We’ve also advanced geriatric release further than ever before, getting HB 1545 voted favorably out of committee and changing some important hearts and minds by facilitating the powerful testimony of many directly-impacted FAMM members. And, for the first time, we got a majority-party filed independent prison oversight bill. The Missouri legislature is in session until mid-May.
[[link removed]] Pennsylvania
FAMM has successfully kept lawmakers from passing mandatory minimum sentencing laws in Pennsylvania. We’re fighting to ensure that the progress we’ve made is not reversed. We’ve also advanced legislation on medical release, felony murder reform, and clemency votes. The Pennsylvania legislature is in session until December.
[[link removed]] Tennessee
The legislative session in Tennessee is over, and FAMM has successfully worked to keep lawmakers from implementing additional three strikes laws. The fight against bad bills this session was constant and ongoing, including our opposition to new mandatory minimums. Unfortunately, the legislature passed a bill that weakens incentives for incarcerated individuals by applying earned time credits to parole eligibility date and not the expiration of a sentence. We visit the State Capitol regularly to share our views, including support of a bill that would allow more elderly and sick people to get parole.
[[link removed]] Virginia
We had big success in Virginia this year! FAMM supported state partners in the creation of independent prison oversight, which passed unanimously and was signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Virginia families will have an independent correctional ombudsperson to go to with problems once the new office is up and running. Unfortunately, election politics stopped second look and mandatory minimum reform bills in the House.
[[link removed]] Washington
FAMM helped advance retroactive sentencing reform through the House of Representatives and through a key Senate policy committee. But, the bill was saddled with a high fiscal note and we lost in the appropriations committee that controls state spending. With every loss, we learn more for next time.
You can also see what FAMM is up to in the states on our website [[link removed]] .
If your state isn’t on this list, we still have lots of resources for you and need your help building our FAMMily. Start by asking your lawmakers to #VisitAPrison [[link removed]] and having your friends and family do the same. Next, attend one of our regular Storytelling Workshops, Advocacy 101 trainings, or State Policy Update calls [[link removed]] and tell us about yourself.
Thank you for your support.
[[link removed]]
Maria Goellner
Director of State Policy, FAMM
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