Contact:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM disappointed with North Carolina First Step Act changes

Raleigh, N.C. – FAMM President Kevin Ring released the following statement in response to the North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee’s changes to the North Carolina First Step Act:

The North Carolina First Step Act had been watered down several times since it was introduced. Yesterday, it was drowned.

The original bill was modest. It was designed to prevent courts from having to impose lengthy mandatory sentences on low-level drug offenders and people struggling with addiction. But now, we are unaware of a single person in the state who would benefit. We urge the legislature to fix this bill or to work with us next year to bring real reform to North Carolinian families who need it.

FAMM is grateful to Sens. Danny Britt, Warren Daniel, Bob Steinburg and Rep. Holly Grange for their efforts in securing much-needed drug sentencing reform in North Carolina.

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.