Rep. Mace Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Advance First Step Act Justice Reforms
May 27, 2021
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) this week introduced the bipartisan First Step Implementation Act of 2021. This bill would ensure federal agencies fully implement the First Step Act as instructed by Congress, as well as institute new reforms to juvenile sentencing and the expungement of criminal records.
“When the First Step Act was signed into law in 2018, it was a major victory for those who’ve been working to fix the serious flaws in our justice system for over three decades," said Mace. "But, as the name implies, this was only the first step. There are a slew of outdated and ineffective sentencing laws which remain on the books, and they do nothing but waste taxpayer dollars, create new criminals, and make us all less safe. The First Step Implementation Act will bring fairness and common sense to these laws and push our justice system forward.”
“The First Step Act was a victory for all Americans who believe in justice and the power of redemption," said Jeffries. "When the bill passed three years ago, we knew it was just the start of a bipartisan journey to eradicate the mass incarceration epidemic in America. We now carry its important legacy forward with the First Step Implementation Act of 2021. I thank Reps. Bacon, Nadler, Mace and Jackson Lee as well as Senators Durbin and Grassley for their leadership.”
To read the First Step Implementation Act, click HERE
Background:
The First Step Implementation Act of 2021 would further the goals of the First Step Act by:
- Allowing courts to apply the First Step Act sentencing reform provisions to reduce sentences imposed prior to the enactment of the First Step Act;
- Broadening the safety valve provision to allow courts to sentence below a mandatory minimum for nonviolent controlled substance offenses, if the court finds the defendant’s criminal history over-represents the seriousness of the defendant’s criminal record and the likelihood of recidivism;
- Allowing courts to reduce sentences imposed on juvenile offenders who have served more than 20 years;
- Providing for the sealing or expungement of records of nonviolent juvenile offenses; and,
- Requiring the Attorney General to establish procedures ensuring that only accurate criminal records are shared for employment-related purposes.
###
Issues:Civil Rights