Contact:
Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700
rburks@famm.org

FAMM DISAPPOINTED IN LEGISLATURE’S FAILURE TO PASS MEANINGFUL SENTENCING REFORM

TALLAHASSEE – FAMM State Policy Director Greg Newburn released the following statement in response to the Florida legislature’s failure to pass sentencing reform legislation:

Along with tens of thousands of heartbroken families who believed the legislature would finally tackle meaningful sentencing reform this year, FAMM is disappointed that lawmakers missed another opportunity to fix real problems in Florida’s criminal justice system. Just a few months ago, President Trump signed into law retroactive sentencing reforms that will free thousands. Meanwhile, the Florida legislature could only find the courage to repeal a mandatory minimum for a crime related to horsemeat. That’s not reform – it’s a bad joke.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies in 6 states and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.

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