Higgins announces House approval of criminal justice reform package

Congressman Brian Higgins D-NY-26, announced bipartisan adoption by the House of Representatives of the “First Step Act” (S. 756). The bill provides a comprehensive package of reforms to federal sentencing guidelines and the federal prison system.

“This represents a necessary first step in addressing outdated and inequitable policies, reducing recidivism among inmates, and undoing a broken system that has led to mass incarceration,” Higgins said.

The legislation provides:

• Greater flexibility in sentencing
• Reforms to mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses
• Correction officer training
• Creation of a committee to evaluate risk assessment and provide recommendations for improvement
• Restrictions on juvenile solitary confinement
• Correction of the good-time credit to accurately reflect congressional intent
• Evidence-based opioid treatment, employment assistance, mentoring and other programming that supports success upon returning to the community

The bill was approved in the House on Dec. 20 by a vote of 358-36 and adopted by the Senate with a vote of 87-12 on Dec. 18. The legislation will now move to the president’s desk for his signature.