From Families Against Mandatory Minimums (http://famm.org/):
This past week, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) introduced the Second Look Act. The law would create a second look sentencing mechanism, which would allow judges to resentence people with excessive sentences after having served 10 years.
This proposal has a long way to go before it becomes law, but we are excited about it. We believe that second look sentencing is the next big idea in sentencing reform, and we are thrilled to see such bold legislation introduced into Congress. The bill, inspired by both William Underwood and FAMM Justice Advocate Matthew Charles, would grant judges the ability to resentence, or even release, individuals who have served at least 10 years of a federal prison sentence if the judge finds the individual has been rehabilitated and no longer poses a threat to public safety.
FAMM has long advocated second look sentencing, and while this bill applies only to federal prisoners, we will be looking to secure sponsors for similar bills in the states. We will not be able to reduce our nation’s over-incarceration problem unless we have a way to safely reduce lengthy sentences and release those whose incarceration is no longer necessary for public safety.
We are going to need everyone’s help to make second look sentencing a reality. You can help today by sharing our video on second look sentencing with your networks. Make sure your friends and family know that everyone deserves a second chance.
NOTE: There is no bill number as of this posting. Watch for updates and actions in the future.
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