Advocates met with their lawmakers, made phone calls, and sent more than 2,500 letters in support of SB1691. Those diligent efforts resulted in this important bill being signed into law, making Oklahoma a national leader in fair licensing processes for applicants with a criminal record.

SB 1646 would have created a more orderly and proportional felony sentencing structure. Ultimately, the House of Representatives chose not to advance this bill despite Senate passage, where Prison Fellowship’s support was cited during chamber debate by the bill’s champion. We will continue working toward punishment that fits the crime in Oklahoma.

The General Assembly considered an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia that would restore voting rights to people when they leave prison. Prison Fellowship lifted up this message through direct lobbying and lawmaker education, with our grassroots activists sending more than 1,500 letters of support to the General Assembly and engaging in a week of virtual lobbying. While we saw an increase in bipartisan support for voting rights restoration, the amendment was not ultimately successful. In 2023, we will continue advocating for the civic rights of those who have moved on from incarceration.

As in Oklahoma, Prison Fellowship spearheaded legislation to improve the occupational licensing application and review practices for Virginians with a criminal record. Due to legislative process, the bill must be passed again in 2023 to become law.

Prison Fellowship opposed HB 2656, which would eliminate or limit parole and sentencing reduction credits—tools that foster life change among prisoners by encouraging character development and program participation. Advocates sent nearly 2,000 letters to lawmakers on the topic, while faith leaders and Prison Fellowship staff made the case for promoting change behind bars. Justice Ambassador Lindsay Holloway led the way in this campaign by generously sharing her own story of redemption, demonstrating how parole and earned time credits contribute to the success of the women she now serves in reentry ministry.

This multipronged campaign helped to prompt important changes to this harmful bill that ultimately decreased its scope and severity. We will continue to educate lawmakers about the critical role robust access to parole and earned time credits play behind bars and communities.

Prison Fellowship strongly supported HB 2183, the Transparency in Sentencing for Victims Act. Signed into law by Gov. Lee, this bill ensures that defendants, communities, and victims of crime are informed at sentencing about the minimum term a defendant must serve before becoming eligible for early release.

In 2021, Tennessee’s General Assembly changed its sentencing guidance for certain drug offenses. This year’s bill, HB 1449, built on that 2021 reform by allowing prisoners who were sentenced under the old law to petition for a new sentencing hearing under the current law. Prison Fellowship contributed to successful passage of this legislation, and we are thrilled that Tennessee lawmakers and Governor Lee recognize that fair punishment should not depend on sentencing date.

This legislation directs courts to base pretrial decisions on public safety and flight risk, encourages more cautious use of money bail and detention before trial, and expands the use of nonmonetary release conditions that allow defendants to responsibly await their court date with their families.

Prison Fellowship contributed to the passage of HB 5765 signed into law by Gov. Whitmer. The bill allows retired correctional officers to fill open positions while still being able to receive monthly retirement benefits. By encouraging the return of experienced correctional staff, HB 5765 supports currently overextended correctional officers and improves staff well-being essential for an effective prison system.