Yesterday, the House gave preliminary approval to HB 1678 (probation reform) and HB 530 (expand drug courts to mid-sized counties) by House Corrections Chairman Jerry Madden, and to HB 461 by House Agriculture & Livestock Chairman Sid Miller (repeal criminal penalty for animal ID program). Marc Levin, Director of the Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice, has provided testimony and substantial input on all three of these bills. Final passage is expected today.
Criminal Justice
Safer Communities Through Second Chances: The Case for Federal Expungement
When criminal records follow people forever, families struggle, employers lose workers, and communities lose productive citizens. Federal law offers almost no path to redemption, even though second chances strengthen public safety and the economy. Key Points The federal expungement system is effectively nonexistent. Permanent criminal records for non-violent federal offenses undermine work opportunities, family stability,...
September 15, 2026