* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Middleton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Request for Federal Action - Support the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act and the Second Chance Reauthorization Act
FOR the purpose of joining with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support bipartisan efforts, such as S. 2123, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, and the Second Chance Reauthorization Act (S. 1513/H.R. 3406), that aim to advance criminal justice reform.
body
Recitals
Baltimore knows firsthand the importance of reforming the criminal justice system, and joins with the National Association of Counties (NACo) � the only national organization that represents America�s 3,069 county governments � to support bipartisan efforts, like S. 2123, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act and the Second Chance Reauthorization Act (S. 1513/H.R. 3406), that aim to advance these reforms.
Baltimore City supports measures that aim to reduce sentencing disparity, eliminate unnecessary confinement, establish more rational and appropriate sentencing policies and lead to better management of limited correctional resources. We also support provisions in S. 2123 that would promote the expungement of certain juvenile offenses, prohibit juvenile solitary confinement except in limited circumstances, and increase the instances in which juveniles are eligible for parole. Further, we support pre release reentry programs featured in S. 2123 that would help incarcerated individuals prepare to reintegrate back into society. These individuals return to their communities with complex health, education, housing and other needs, which, if not addressed, can increase their likelihood of returning to jail or prison. Reentry programs are integral to their successful reintegration into the community.
Of course, reentry programs are pivotal to formerly incarcerated individuals not only prior to their release from correctional facilities, but even more so after these individuals return to their communities. With this in mind, we hope that you will give consideration and support to the Second Chance Reauthorization Act (S. 1513/H.R. 3406), which would reauthorize and improve Second Chance Act programs that provide resources to states, local governments and nonprofit organizations to improve outcomes for individuals returning to communities. Specifically, the program improves the coordination of reentry services and policies at the state, tribal and local levels and funds demonstration grants, reentry courts, family centered programs, mental health and addiction treatment and employment and mentoring services.
Baltimore, and America�s counties, stand ready to work with Congress to achieve needed reforms to our nation�s criminal justice system that will benefit communities across the nation. We commend Congress on its work on the Sentencing Reform Act and the Second Chance Reauthorization Act and look forward to working with it to advance these measures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Council joins the National Association of Counties (NACo) in supporting bipartisan efforts, such as S. 2123, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, and the Second Chance Reauthorization Act (S. 1513/H.R. 3406), that aim to advance criminal justice reform.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Honorable Members of the House and Senate Leadership, the Honorable Members of the Maryland House and Senate Delegations to the 114th Congress, and the Mayor�s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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ccres/FedCrimReform/NACo:tw
dlr16-1397~intro/27Jan16
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ccres/FedCrimReform/NACo:tw