The FIRST STEP Act (H.R. 5682) was passed by the House of Representatives on May 22, and the Senate is expected to consider the bill in the coming weeks. The bill incentivizes participation in rehabilitation programs with the opportunity to gain “earned time” credits. These credits allow reformed offenders to spend pre-release custody time in halfway houses or home confinement. This bill would not only have a major positive impact on the lives of offenders, but perhaps even reduce drug addiction in the United States.
Unfortunately, leaders representing a major law enforcement organization, the National Sheriff's Association (NSA), have taken a stance against this bill. As a former sheriff, I can testify that their concerns are misinformed.
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