Photo Courtesy of Rep. Jeffries’s Office
“When [the First Step Act] passed three years ago, we knew it was just the start of a bipartisan journey to eradicate the mass incarceration epidemic in America. We now carry its important legacy forward with the First Step Implementation Act of 2021,” Rep. Jeffries said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
On Thursday, Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Queens and Brooklyn), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) introduced the bipartisan First Step Implementation Act of 2021 to advance the goals of the First Step Act.
Co-authored by Jeffries and Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed, Safely Transitioning Every Person (FIRST STEP) Act aimed to establish targeted reforms aimed at improving public safety and reducing recidivism.
The legislation addressed the crack-cocaine sentencing disparity, curtailed juvenile solitary confinement, reduced mandatory minimums, and focused on dignity for female prisoners, among other measures.
Former President Donald Trump signed the bill into law in 2018.
“The First Step Act was a victory for all Americans who believe in justice and the power of redemption. When the bill passed three years ago, we knew it was just the start of a bipartisan journey to eradicate the mass incarceration epidemic in America. We now carry its important legacy forward with the First Step Implementation Act of 2021,” Jeffries said.
According to the sponsors, the First Step Implementation Act of 2021 would further the goals of the First Step Act by:
- Allowing courts to apply the First Step Act sentencing reform provisions to reduce sentences imposed prior to the enactment of the First Step Act;
- Broadening the safety valve provision to allow courts to sentence below a mandatory minimum for nonviolent controlled substance offenses, if the court finds the defendant’s criminal history over-represents the seriousness of the defendant’s criminal record and the likelihood of recidivism;
- Allowing courts to reduce sentences imposed on juvenile offenders who have served more than 20 years;
- Providing for the sealing or expungement of records of nonviolent juvenile offenses; and,
- Requiring the Attorney General to establish procedures ensuring that only accurate criminal records are shared for employment-related purposes.
“For the last several years, Congress has worked hard to reform our criminal justice system and keep rehabilitated individuals out of jail once they are released. The First Step Implementation Act will help to implement previous criminal justice reform legislation that provides programs proven to reduce re-offenses, fight against drug abuse, and help transition successfully back into society. This bill builds on our progress by further reforming Federal criminal sentencing laws and I appreciate the opportunity to work with my colleagues on this important bill and issue,” said Rep. Bacon.
“I’m proud to cosponsor the bipartisan First Step Implementation Act. As we saw with the First Step Act, when we work together, we can accomplish real reform to our criminal justice system and improve lives. With this bill and more to come, I believe we can implement serious changes that will not only make our system more just, but also prevent crime and reduce recidivism,” Nadler added.
The First Step Implementation Act of 2021 was introduced in the Senate by the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).