DES MOINES– On December 12, the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform (Fueling Ongoing Collaboration and Uncovering Solutions) unanimously adopted recommendations for criminal justice reform efforts in the state of Iowa.
The recommendations include various changes, including legislative proposals and executive action. View those recommendations here.
“Iowans recognize the power of redemption and second chances, and criminal justice reform continues to be a key priority for my administration,” said Gov. Reynolds. “These recommendations help address our state’s workforce needs, protect our communities, and send a strong message to every Iowan that it’s never too late to turn your life around. I want to thank this diverse group of stakeholders and committee chair, Lt. Governor Gregg, for helping us chart out transformational change to Iowa’s criminal justice system.”
“Gov. Reynolds has made criminal justice reform a priority from the very beginning, and I was proud to chair this broad and talented group of dedicated stakeholders to provide the Governor with these forward-looking recommendations,” said Lt. Gov. Gregg, FOCUS committee chair. “I am excited about what lies ahead in our push for criminal justice reform.”
Over the past year, Gov. Reynolds has championed several initiatives that focus on providing second chances to former offenders. These recommendations will build on that work and form the foundation of a package of legislative proposals aimed at advancing our “2nd chance” initiative this next year.
Gov. Reynolds officially launched the FOCUS Committee this past November at the 7th Annual Iowa Summit on Justice & Disparities. She then appointed a broad, diverse, talented group of stakeholders to develop and adopt these recommendations.
Executive Summary
Discharge and Reentry Process
- Automate the Voting Rights Application upon Discharge
- Create an Inventory of Community Programs
- Create a Value Process Map of Reentry in the Community
- Create a Competitive Grant Program to Support and Enhance the Reentry Efforts of NonprofitsEducation
- Increase Completion of HiSET by Incarcerated Individuals over Age 21
- Coordinate Delivery of Post-Secondary Education in the Prison System
- Create a Post-Release Educational Pathway
- Advocate for Full Authorization of Second Chance Pell GrantsBehavioral Health Treatment
- Expand Treatment Capacity in Prisons
- Realign Community Based Corrections Staffing to Focus on TreatmentReentering the Workforce
- Streamline Conviction Review for Occupational Licensing
- Adopt Fair Chance Hiring for Public Employers
- Continue Employer Outreach
- Expand Workforce Reentry Services in Prisons
- Establish “Second Chance Employer” designation Transportation
- Ensure Reentering Citizens have Access to Mobility Services
- Review Driver License Suspension and Revocation Sentences
3 thoughts on “Governor’s FOCUS Committee unanimously adopts policy recommendations for criminal justice reforms ”
In 2018, Trump signed the First Step Act into law, which helps prisoners transition from prison to society through halfway homes, offers time off sentences for vocational achievements, and reduces the tendency of convicted criminals to commit crimes again.
Jobs.
At least they are finally realizing that rehabilitation in prison might be better for everyone. In the past, prison changed from rehabilitation to punishment and incarceration only. Maybe this will stop some of the recidivism