Yes, Drug Courts Are Working in Louisiana
Scott Peyton | February 12, 2020
In 2017, the Louisiana Legislature, with overwhelming bipartisan support, passed ten reforms (sponsored by six republicans, two democrats, and one independent) supported by data and aimed at safely reducing…
A Coalition Letter of Support for ‘Meaningful Sentencing and Prison Reforms’ in Florida
Right on Crime | February 11, 2020
In a new letter to Florida lawmakers, a broad coalition of conservative organizations encourage the House of Representatives to improve Florida’s sentencing laws, including restoring judicial discretion in drug…
Kentucky Governor & Lawmakers Agree: Criminal Justice Reform is a Priority in the Bluegrass State
Aubrey Vaughan Travis | January 15, 2020
Last week, Kentucky leaders on both sides of the aisle pledged to make criminal justice reform a top priority this session. This commitment is welcome given the growing prison…
First Step Act: One Year Later
Right on Crime | December 21, 2019
President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20050 Dear Mr. President: On the one-year anniversary of the signing of the First Step Act,…
Notes On Probation and Parole from New York City
Scott Peyton | December 19, 2019
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan described the Statue of Liberty as a “beacon of hope.” This icon of Liberty and Democracy has been a “beacon of hope” for so…
My Two Cents on Judicial Discretion in Florida
Chelsea Murphy | December 10, 2019
What happens when Florida voters are unhappy with the performance of an elected official, such as an elected district attorney? They have the opportunity to vote them out of…
HB 427: Price Tag Switching
Isabelle Paine | June 25, 2019
Proportionality is paramount to an effective criminal justice system, and the 86th Texas Legislature took a step forward this session by passing House Bill 427. Someone who attempts to…
Is Pro-Liberty Really Anti-Police?
Randy Petersen | May 31, 2019
The Texas Public Policy Foundation worked hard this legislative session to limit the practice of making a custodial arrest (handcuffs and ride in a squad car) for offenses that…
Unions Alarmingly Misrepresent SB 815
Randy Petersen | May 23, 2019
When the legislature creates a criminal statute that is punishable by a fine alone, meaning that incarceration is not a potential consequence even if the offender is found guilty…
Reducing Barriers to Occupational Licensing
Haley Holik | May 21, 2019
Evidence suggests maintaining a job reduces the chance of recidivism. It is difficult to pinpoint why employment is a contributing factor to successful reentry. Though a job is clearly…
Louisiana Bill Advances to Allow Hospice Workers to Continue Work Beyond Prison Walls
Scott Peyton | May 16, 2019
As part of my training to become a Catholic Deacon, I spent time one summer working with a local hospice organization. I joined along with a hospice worker as…
Texas Lawmakers Should Prioritize Grand Jury Reform
Haley Holik | May 14, 2019
Grand jury reform is gaining momentum in Texas. But as the 86th Legislative Session nears curtain, lawmakers need to prioritize Chair Whitmire’s SB 1492 to help restore the grand…