Contact:
Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700
rburks@famm.org
FAMM to BOP: Implement Key Prison Reforms Now
WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring today sent a letter to U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Acting Director of the Bureau of Prisons Hugh Hurwitz, urging them to fully implement key provisions of the First Step Act.
Ring also released the following statement:
We are excited to see so many people who were serving excessive crack sentences coming home. We applaud the federal defenders, prosecutors, and courts for working together to implement the new law’s retroactive crack sentencing reform.
At the same time, we are growing increasingly worried that the relief promised to thousands of families is being delayed or denied. Reforms to the elderly offender home detention program and the 500-mile rule are not being implemented, resulting in families being separated unnecessarily. Further, Congress’ drafting error in the bill has delayed the long-sought increase in good time credits. Thousands of family members are being asked to wait for months for relief, even though Congress could fix its mistake tomorrow if it wanted.
We urge the BOP and Congress to work as quickly as possible to fully implement these important provisions of the new law. Families can’t wait.
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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