In 2012 the Georgia General Assembly implemented prison reform initiatives that at least one Congressman hopes will serve as a model for similar Federal prison reform. 9th District Congressman Doug Collins makes the case in his April 20 op-ed for the Georgia Public Policy Foundation.
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee (and announced candidate for its Chair with current Chair Bob Goodlatte’s pending retirement) Collins cites his Georgia State Trooper father’s influence plus the reform success in his home state as inspiring his sponsorship of H.R.3356 – Prison Reform and Redemption Act.
Since the act’s introduction in July of 2017 we have spoken with Congressman Collins several times about Federal prison reform as part of his bi-monthly call-in interview on WJRB/WJUL’s Mountain Mornings news program.
To reduce crime rates and prison populations, the Prison Reform and Redemption Act would direct the Bureau of Prisons to begin reducing recidivism risks from day one. After sentencing, prisoners would undergo an assessment to determine their likelihood of returning to crime and identify the resources proven to reduce that risk.
The legislation now rests with the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Congressman Collins hopes that –
the bipartisan, bicameral support for federal prison reform will be the catalyst for more restorative – and therefore effective – justice across our country.