US Justice System Reform: Less Incarceration, More Community Support
This resolution calls for a major overhaul of the US legal system, recognizing its injustice and over-reliance on punishment. It proposes significantly reducing the number of people in jails and prisons, decriminalizing certain acts, and investing in communities and services instead of policing and incarceration to ensure justice for all citizens.
Key points
Proposes a large-scale reduction in the number of people held in jails and prisons.
Calls for decriminalizing actions such as drug use, homelessness, and low-level offenses.
Suggests ending practices like mandatory minimum sentences, cash bail, and solitary confinement.
Aims to stop private companies from profiting from prisons and detention centers.
Advocates for shifting resources from policing and incarceration to investments in community services, housing, healthcare, and jobs.
Seeks to address racial disparities and historical harms within the legal system.
Proposes changes to immigration enforcement, including ending mandatory detention.
Calls for improving conditions for incarcerated individuals and supporting their return to society, such as restoring voting rights and easing employment barriers.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HRES_226
Sponsor: Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Process start date: 2021-03-11