Press Release

For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM sends letter in support of Minnesota second chances bill

ST. PAUL– FAMM sent a letter today to Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler supporting a bill that would give county prosecutors the authority to petition courts to have a person’s sentence adjusted.

“There’s no public safety benefit when people whose continued incarceration serves no purpose remain in prison,” FAMM President Kevin Ring said. “This bill would be a great step forward in remedying ineffective and excessive sentences in Minnesota’s prisons. Our sentencing laws must balance punishment with mercy, and this bill provides an opportunity to do so.”

FAMM launched a second chances campaign last year, calling on state and federal lawmakers to pass second look laws, expand compassionate release and expand clemency, as well as other reforms.

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 at the state and federal level 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.