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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 10, 2013 02:17 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Shirley M. Kitchen |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Cosponsorship Memo |
| As you know the United States Department of Justice recently released its “Smart on Crime” initiative, in which it reviewed the federal criminal justice system. As such, now is the time for us to review our state criminal justice system. In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation calling upon the Joint State Government Commission to review current practices of the criminal justice system within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The proposed legislation would ask the Joint State Government Commission to empanel a task force comprised of experts and practitioners in the criminal justice field focusing on the following objectives: prioritization of prosecutions which focus upon more serious crimes, reforms in sentencing that rid unfair disparities in order to reduce in an effort to reduce the burden on prisons, and implement alternatives to incarceration for non-violent and low level crimes. Additionally, the study should explore ways to improve reentry practices with recidivism reduction as a goal; as well as look at providing additional resources to protect vulnerable populations and violence prevention programs. Over the last several years, the General Assembly has been very active in addressing issues of sentencing reform, recidivism and reentry for offenders. However, I believe that empanelling this task force will provide the opportunity to review whether the recent enactments of the General Assembly are being implemented and practiced in the criminal justice system. Further, it will enable the panel to study what else needs to be accomplished in order to address the continuing problems associated with prison overcrowding and recidivism. Most importantly, it will provide a chance to make specific recommendations that will assist with improving communities for all. I invite you to join me in cosponsoring this legislation that will assist the legislature, as we look at ways to improve our current state criminal justice system. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 717-787-6735. Thank you for your consideration. |
Introduced as SR238