By putting a voice to our biblical values, we made progress on key criminal justice priorities. Our advocacy team and network of volunteers and partners have already made a difference for justice that restores thus far in 2024.
Summertime means many state legislatures have concluded session until next year, and others are on an extended recess. For us, it’s a time to reflect and celebrate the work our Justice Ambassador volunteers, team members, grassroots advocates, and partners have done in the first half of the year.
In the first six months of 2024, Prison Fellowship® secured critical victories for more restorative approaches to crime and incarceration.
FEDERAL
For over a year, Prison Fellowship advocated tirelessly for the Federal Prison Oversight Act. Our efforts paid off in July when President Biden signed the bill into law! It will help the federal prison system better live out its critical mission and equip its staff for professional success and transformational leadership. It creates new tools for regular independent oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, an agency tasked with caring for over 150,000 men and women in dozens of facilities across the country. The bill passed the House in May, a success that came just weeks before Prison Fellowship's Day of Action on June 18. More than 40 Prison Fellowship employees, including 30 who were formerly incarcerated, visited 29 congressional offices to advocate for the bill. The Senate passed the measure just a few weeks later.
We believe in a safe and constructive prison environment because every person, including those in prison, is endowed with God-given dignity and purpose.
Watch the video below of their visit!
MICHIGAN
The Michigan Legislature will remain in session through December. We have worked to build momentum for bill packages that would improve pretrial decision making, incentivize life change behind bars, and strengthen effective and ethical policing so that neighborhoods are safe and strong.
Earned Time Credit
Prison Fellowship had the opportunity to testify on June 20, 2024, on behalf of the earned time credit package known as SB861-864. We presented the importance of rehabilitation and transformative programming behind bars to the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee.
Second Chance Stories
In the fall of 2023, 14 Justice Ambassadors and other volunteers shared their stories of second chances with lawmakers and the Lt. Governor’s office. During this successful day, we focused our advocacy efforts on the importance of the Pretrial Fairness Package.
Justice Ambassador Beth Kuczma urged lawmakers to act on Pretrial Fairness in an op-ed in The Detroit News.
OHIO
The legislative session is ongoing, and we are mobilizing support for bills like SB198 which expand access to personal and workforce documents and records for Ohioans leaving incarceration. We are also working to reduce the overuse of driver’s license suspensions for nondriving-related offenses. In November of 2023, we had 11 Justice Ambassadors and faith leaders join Prison Fellowship in Columbus to meet with lawmakers and share the importance of second chances through HB50 and SB37.
Housing
Prison Fellowship advocated tirelessly for HB50, a bill to establish a certificate of qualification for housing for returning citizens and remove barriers to affordable housing. We’re happy to say it was signed by the governor earlier this year!
Driver’s License Suspension
As we look to the latter half of the year, Prison Fellowship will continue to advocate for SB37, a bill which addresses driver’s license suspensions for nondriving-related offenses and certain fines and fees. Just last month, we successfully placed an op-ed regarding the importance of the bill. Thus far, the bill has had an extensive committee process in the Senate, and senators ultimately passed it in May. It is currently awaiting action by the House. We are hopeful that bill and other priorities will be addressed before year’s end.
OKLAHOMA
Prison Fellowship was the driving force behind a few bills in this year’s session including some concerning housing and opportunities for higher education. In addition, we advocated for fines and fees reform, legislation from the Governor’s MODERN task force, proportional punishment, and more.
Housing for People With a Criminal Record
Prison Fellowship worked on a bill with the leadership of Representative Tammy West and Senator Dave Rader to expand housing opportunities for people with a criminal record. Finding stable and affordable housing is a substantial roadblock to returning citizens. HB3499 passed through the House and two Senate committees with strong support. While it sadly did not ultimately reach the governor’s desk, we made critical progress to build upon in future sessions.
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program
Prison Fellowship also spearheaded a bill with Senator Dave Rader and Representative Daniel Pae to expand access to the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program for qualifying individuals in prison. Being able to pursue higher education opportunities behind bars gives men and women purpose and hope for a bright future. We are pleased to say SB11 was signed into law by the governor!
TENNESSEE
It was a successful year in Tennessee as we raised our voices to uphold justice.
Probation Reform
Prison Fellowship spearheaded a probation reform bill, HB2728 and SB2495, that allows qualifying Tennesseans to report to their probation officer virtually. On Feb. 20, Justice Ambassador Moriah Lee testified at the Criminal Justice Subcommittee in support of the bill. Thankfully, it was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by the governor.
Proportional Penalties
Prison Fellowship advocated against legislation that would have created a new structure of mandatory sentences resulting in unjustly high penalties. The bill would have limited a judge’s ability to impose an appropriate sentence and would have resulted in an increased financial burden on the state.
Tennessee Justice Ambassadors called their lawmakers to advocate against three-strikes legislation and successfully helped to stop it from passing.
Second Chances Op-Ed
On May 30, 2024, an op-ed written by Prison Fellowship and Lindsay Holloway on second chances was published in The Tennessean. It highlights the importance of second chances and the hurdles individuals face upon reentry.
TEXAS
The Texas Legislature meets every two years, so no regular session was held this year. We have been brainstorming and building opportunities for 2025 and look forward to an impactful session.
VIRGINIA
Fair punishment and judicial discretion were our main focal points during the legislative session in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Fair Punishment
Prison Fellowship spearheaded two bills that would have advanced fair punishment. HB179 would have given judges discretion at sentencing, and HB653 would have changed the classification of certain offenses. On Jan. 31 in the Criminal Subcommittee, Prison Fellowship testified in support of both HB179 and HB653. Unfortunately, HB179 did not pass the General Assembly and HB653 was vetoed by the Governor. We will continue to support legislation that advances proportional punishment in Virginia.
Prison Fellowship advocated for judicial discretion through a grassroots day of action in January. Eight Justice Ambassadors met with 10 lawmakers to discuss the critically important issue.
Prison Closure Op-Ed
In December 2023, the Department of Corrections announced the closure of four correctional facilities in Virginia. Prison Fellowship published an op-ed celebrating this decision and discussing further opportunities for criminal justice reform in Virginia.
RAISE YOUR VOICE!
We encourage Christians who are experienced in advocacy, looking to learn more, or interested in increasing their involvement to apply to the Justice Ambassador program. By doing so, they join with Prison Fellowship to encourage second chances. Justice Ambassadors' voices can be an effective tool to inspire the Church, change the culture, and advance justice that restores.
Become a Justice Ambassador with Prison Fellowship today!
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