Issues by State
States across the country are realizing that growing prison populations and costs are the result of adopting mandatory minimum sentencing laws and prison policies that keep people behind bars too long without increasing public safety.
See the states we’re currently working in below. You can jump straight to a given state by clicking its name.
Alabama
Legislative session: January 13 – March 27, 2026
This session, FAMM is working with Alabama partners to advance legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the state’s prison system.
We are proud to advocate for independent prison oversight, legislation that would establish an independent agency with the authority to monitor and inspect facilities and make recommendations to improve correctional operations. Additionally, we are supporting legislation that would create Special Prosecutors responsible for reviewing investigations involving correctional facilities and pursuing litigation when necessary. FAMM hopes to see more comprehensive prison oversight in Alabama this year.
Arizona
Legislative session: January 12 – April 25, 2026
FAMM has worked with multiple coalitions and partners to prepare for the 2026 legislative session. This year, we will advocate for full funding of the newly established Independent Prison Ombuds Office and advance bills supporting early release on electronic monitoring, compassionate release, and second look resentencing.
FAMM’s work is made possible by our FAMMily members. Our Arizona network consistently responds to digital actions, making your voices heard in committee hearings, the full legislature, and the Governor's office. Every time you use FAMM digital actions to contact your lawmakers, it makes a real difference. Please share this link with your friends and family to help amplify our voices in 2026! https://famm.org/for-fammilies/#connect-with-us
California
Legislative session: December 2 – September 12, 2025
FAMM is proud to celebrate the passage of AB 812, a bill that creates a second look resentencing opportunity for incarcerated firefighters. We hope this legislative victory will have a ripple effect throughout the justice system and inspire lawmakers to consider the many others who would benefit from a second chance. In the same vein, FAMM continues to work with state partners on SB 672, which would establish second look review for individuals serving life sentences for crimes committed before the age of 26.
Florida
Legislative session: March 4 – May 2, 2025
Delegation Meetings and Pre-Session Committee Weeks are right around the corner in Tallahassee. These events offer powerful opportunities to shape policies on prison conditions and sentencing reform—especially because they allow everyday people, not just organizations, to speak directly with lawmakers. During Pre-Session Committee Weeks, advocates can hear from the Department of Corrections, meet one-on-one with legislators, give public testimony at hearings, and build the relationships needed to drive lasting change.
FAMM’s state partner on the ground, Florida Cares, is calling on advocates to join them on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the Pre-Session Committee Weeks in October and November. To encourage participation, Florida Cares is offering reimbursement for in-state gas mileage, overnight accommodations, meals, help preparing personal stories, and guidance from experienced advocates. These combined efforts help keep sentencing and prison reform front and center in Florida’s legislative agenda.
Hawaii
Legislative session: January 21 – May 7, 2026
FAMM is working closely with stakeholders and lawmakers in Hawaii to establish a compassionate release statute that would allow people in prison to qualify for early release under certain criteria. We are grateful to our partners for their dedication to this important and necessary work! FAMM hopes to see compassionate release bills introduced in both the Hawaii State House and Senate this session.
Last October, FAMM’s Molly Crane delivered an educational legislative briefing on compassionate release before the Hawaii House Standing Committee on Public Safety: https://civilbeat.digitaldemocracy.org/hearings/278301.
Illinois
Legislative session: January 14 – May 31, 2026
Election years in Illinois often means a slower legislative session with limited opportunities to advance criminal justice reform legislation. This year, however, session is beginning right after a contentious rulemaking concerning the scanning of mail for incarcerated people in IDOC. Over the past few months, FAMM worked to prevent this rule from becoming permanent, but unfortunately, it took effect on January 9. The good news is that the legislature has acknowledged this as an important issue and plans to review it thoroughly, so there may be an opportunity to reverse this rule through legislation this session. Stay tuned!
While we may not expect Credit for Change to reach either legislative floor for a vote this session, we plan to use this time to educate lawmakers, build momentum for the campaign, and position ourselves up to push it across the finish line after the election. This means we’ll be doing a lot of work to highlight the importance of Credit for Change—and we need your help! Please email our Illinois Policy Consultant, Katrina Baugh, at kbaugh@famm.org to join the effort.
Iowa
Legislative session: January 12 – April 21, 2026
In 2025, FAMM began the effort to establish medical release in Iowa, the only state in the country without a compassionate release mechanism. We filed HSB 314 to start the legislative process and have been working to advance this bill ever since. In early February, we will make our third trip to Iowa to meet with lawmakers, discuss the urgent need for medical release, strengthen relationships, and collaborate with state partners. We have built a strong coalition of diverse organizations and advocates.
If you have a loved one dealing with medical issues while incarcerated, please write to us (Attention: Iowa).
Maine
Legislative session: January 7 – April 15, 2026
FAMM has a unique ability in Maine to not only work with state partners in the communities, but also with a very passionate group of incarcerated advocates. In 2026, we will continue to support three pieces of legislation carried over from the last session. We have already testified in support of re-establishing discretionary parole in Maine after nearly 50 years, and the establishment of a corrections ombudsman office. Both of these bills now advance to a "work session" in their respective committees. The third piece of legislation is for the expansion of the supervised community confinement program.
Maryland
Legislative session: January 14 – April 13, 2026
Due to elections for the Maryland State Senate, House of Delegates, and Governor taking place in 2026, we expect less bold legislative action on criminal justice reform issues this session.
So far, legislators have introduced bills related to survivor justice, along with some concerning proposals that would extend incarceration or reduce opportunities for relief. This makes 2026 an important year to prioritize public and legislative education about the need to expand access to second chances in Maryland and to ensure that laws passed last session are implemented effectively.
Maryland’s 2025 legislative session concluded with the passage of SB 181/HB 1123, which expands medical and geriatric parole opportunities, and HB 853, which creates “second look” opportunities for certain individuals convicted before age 25 who have served at least 20 years. These laws took effect on October 1, 2025, and FAMM has been working with stakeholders to support their proper implementation and ensure they are used to provide meaningful relief from excessive incarceration. FAMM is also excited to launch a small clearinghouse to connect people who are seriously ill or dying in custody with volunteer attorneys, volunteer doctors, and social workers to advocate for compassionate release under Maryland’s new law.
Michigan
Legislative session: January 14 – December 31, 2026
January 14th marked the start of the second half of Michigan’s two-year legislative session. This year FAMM will continue advocating against unjust sentencing and corrections policies while promoting evidence-based criminal justice reforms and transparency in the prison system.
In 2026, FAMM continues to work alongside Michigan advocates to reform the state’s habitual sentencing enhancement law, a policy that results in lengthy prison sentences without improving public safety. We also support legislation that would update Michigan law to ensure survivors of domestic or sexual violence do not receive excessive sentences as a direct result of surviving abuse.
Additionally, FAMM is working to advance SB 318, a bill that would end medical co-pays for incarcerated individuals, removing a financial barrier that often prevents people in custody from accessing needed healthcare. We are also proud to support HB 4669, legislation that would grant lawmakers “gold key” access to Michigan Department of Corrections facilities, helping them better understand prison conditions and equipping them to craft more informed policy.
Missouri
Legislative session: January 7 – May 15, 2026
This session in Missouri, FAMM is advocating for independent prison oversight and earned and good time credit.
The independent prison oversight bills, HB 1616 and HB 2832, seek to establish a body with the authority to monitor and inspect state facilities, address grievances, and provide recommendations for improving the Missouri Department of Corrections. The earned and good time credit bills, HB 2695, HB 2831, and HB 2751, would incentivize rehabilitation by creating a uniform system for earning sentence credits, taking an important step toward restoring opportunities for release.
FAMM will also be closely monitoring the legislative session to oppose any bills that would create new mandatory minimums.
New Jersey
Legislative session: January 13 – December 31, 2026
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy continued to lead on clemency in 2025. FAMM is overjoyed for each person who received a pardon or commutation through Governor Murphy’s historic clemency effort. We are hopeful that incoming Governor Mikie Sherrill will build on this momentum and keep New Jersey at the forefront of state clemency efforts.
So far this year, lawmakers have introduced legislation addressing survivor justice, as well as some bills that would increase criminal penalties. FAMM will be closely monitoring throughout the legislative session to support second chances and oppose harmful bills.
FAMM is encouraging the advancement of an expansive second look bill in the state’s General Assembly. This legislation would allow all incarcerated individuals to seek relief, regardless of conviction type or sentence length. We are also supporting legislative efforts to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug-related offenses and to create mitigating opportunities for survivors of abuse who are prosecuted for offenses against their abusers. These reforms were recommended by New Jersey’s Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission.
Nevada
Legislative session: February 2 – July 28, 2025
FAMM continues to advocate for second look resentencing opportunities in Nevada. This year, Assembly Bill (AB) 91 was introduced, a bill to allow individuals incarcerated in the Nevada Department of Corrections to seek a sentence review after serving 10 years. While the bill did not pass before the legislative session ended, we remain committed to advancing second chances when the legislature reconvenes in 2027. In the meantime, FAMM is working with state partners to educate lawmakers and grow our network of advocates.
Pennsylvania
Legislative session: January 6 – November 30, 2026
Pennsylvania’s General Assembly is still in session but has yet to pass the state budget that was due on June 30, 2025. Ongoing budget negotiations have stalled progress on many of the bills FAMM supports, though we hope to regain the legislature’s attention this fall.
In the meantime, FAMM is working diligently to gain House support for HB 150, which would expand access to medical release for incarcerated individuals with certain chronic or terminal medical conditions. Despite bipartisan support and sponsorship of the bill, HB 150 has not yet passed out of the House. We also support HB 1550, which would create access to age-based relief for incarcerated people over the age of 50 who have served half their minimum sentence or 25 years of incarceration, whichever is less. As we await a ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Commonwealth v. Lee—a case that could impact felony murder sentencing—FAMM supports SB 387 and HB 443, which would allow parole eligibility after 25 years for people convicted of felony murder.
FAMM is also proud to support HB 1506, which would make communications free for incarcerated individuals in Pennsylvania. Also of interest to FAMM are three House Resolutions that seek to improve conditions in Pennsylvania’s correctional facilities. HR 36 would commission a study on the quality of libraries in carceral facilities in Pennsylvania; HR 59 would designate November 1, 2025 as “State Correctional Institution Day” in Pennsylvania and encourage lawmakers to visit a state prison facility unannounced at least twice per year; and HR 189 would commission a study on the nutritional value of food served in Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institutions, as well as the nutrition-related health of people living in these facilities. FAMM also continues to monitor and oppose legislation containing mandatory sentences in Pennsylvania.
Ask your State Representative to support HB 150, a bipartisan bill that would update and expand Pennsylvania's medical release process for incarcerated people who are chronically and terminally ill!
Tennessee
Legislative session begins January 13, 2026
This session, FAMM will continue advocating for independent prison oversight, HB 454/ SB 330. Last session, the bill was unfortunately stalled in the Finance Committee and was not funded. This year, advancing independent prison oversight through the Committee, and ultimately into law, is a top priority. FAMM is also supporting a compassionate release data collection bill and will oppose any legislation that creates new mandatory minimums or other unjust sentencing policies.
Texas
Legislative session: January 14 – June 2, 2025
FAMM worked alongside our state partners this session to advance several key bills, including second look, compassionate release, prison oversight, and parole reform. Our largest effort centered on the "Sunset Review" of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which resulted in some reforms to compassionate release. FAMM will continue to engage with the Board, offering recommendations and best practices we hope they will adopt. We encourage our Texas FAMMily members to keep an eye out for the public comment period where you can also make your voices heard. If you haven't already, please consider signing up for our emails and joining our Facebook group so you won't miss any announcements or updates.
Virginia
Legislative session: January 14 – March 14, 2026
Virginia’s legislative session is underway, and FAMM is working closely with state advocates to advance reforms that expand meaningful second chances and repeal one-size-fits-all sentencing policies.
One of FAMM’s top priorities for 2026 is HB 853, legislation that would allow incarcerated Virginians an opportunity for a second look sentence review after serving 25, 20, or 15 years. We are also proud to support HB 318/SB 60, which would standardize juvenile parole hearings and create a more meaningful opportunity for release by requiring decision-makers to consider the mitigating factors of youth recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court.
FAMM is also advocating for the elimination of mandatory minimums in Virginia. HB 863 would restore much needed discretion to judges, allowing courts to consider the individual person being sentenced, the specifics of the situation, and relevant mitigating factors when imposing a sentence.
Washington
Legislative session: January 12 – March 12, 2026
The legislative session is already underway in Washington! FAMM is advocating two bills to provide relief to incarcerated Washingtonians serving excessive sentences.
FAMM will continue to seek retroactivity of 2023 reforms to the use of juvenile adjudications in adult sentencing. Prior to 2023, people’s sentences increased by nearly a decade due to prior offenses committed as children and handled in the juvenile adjudication process. Washington rightfully eliminated this practice in 2023 but did not provide relief to over 800 people serving sentences lengthened by this ineffective practice. We will continue to push for merit-based resentencing for these folks!
FAMM will also seek an expansion of second look to include people who were under 21 at the time of their offense. Currently, people who were under 18 at the time of their offense can go before the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board for release after serving 20 or 25 years, depending on the offense. FAMM and our partners are working hard to expand this to people who were under 21 at the time of the offense.
Don't See Your State?
We are working across the U.S. Email us at famm@famm.org to see what we're working on in your state.