At least 17 states enacted sentencing or corrections reforms measures last year, The Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, says in a new report. Among the developments cited by the organization: started a probation revocation and crime reduction performance incentive system to encourage counties to reduce prison commitments; Kentucky amended parole release policies and expanded home incarceration for persons convicted of certain offenses; Mississippi amended parole release policies, and expanded eligibility for compassionate release.
The Sentencing Project urged states to reconsider sentencing policies that result in lengthy incarceration; invest in strategies proved to reduce recidivism; and expand diversion and treatment programs beyond first-time and non-violent offenders.