Key Federal Legislation, Policy and Appropriations
​
Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act
The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015 was intended to reduce certain mandatory minimums and provide reentry programming at the Bureau of Prisons. Specifically, the bill would have:
-
Bills would reduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain categories of non-violent drug offenders.
-
Require eligible federal offenders to undergo assessments to determine risk of recidivism.
-
Encourage participation in recidivism reduction programs and productive activities, like prison jobs.
-
Allow earned time credits for low- and medium-risk prisoners upon successfully completing programs. Prohibit high-risk offenders from using time credits unless and until risk reduced to a lower tier.
-
Earned prerelease custody may be served in halfway houses, home confinement, or community supervision.
Senate bill S. 2123, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and House bill, H.R. 3713, sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) were introduced in 114th Congress. The Senate bill passed committee and a similar bill passed House committee. Supporters assessing which provisions may find support in the 115th Congress.
​