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The Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act of 2010 is now becoming law in South Carolina! Governor Sanford recently signed this significant package of criminal justice reforms, which promise to hold offenders accountable, cut corrections costs by $400 million over the next five years, and improve our security by using strategies with a proven record of success.
Specifically, this bill will:
- Strengthen penalties for repeat offenders of serious crimes.
- Reserve prison space for offenders who pose a real danger to the community.
- Reduce South Carolina's reliance on prisons by enforcing alternative punishments proven to hold low-risk offenders accountable and help them avoid future criminal behavior.
- Require swift and certain punishments for offenders who violate their probation or parole.
- Provide additional support for victims, such as increasing restitution.
Prison Fellowship worked alongside a broad coalition, including the Pew Center on the States Public Safety Performance Project, to build support for this important legislation. We distributed information to grassroots activists, published an op-ed, and mailed letters, along with the response cards you sent us, to over forty members of South Carolina’s legislature.
We are grateful for your partnership in our work!
Legislative Updates
Governor signs bill reforming sentences in SC
Today, June 2, 2010, Gov. Mark Sanford signed into law a measure to reduce the number of people going to prison in South Carolina for minor offenses.
The Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act Passes the Full Legislature
This week, the South Carolina legislature passed S 1154, The Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act. It will now go to the Governor's desk. Gov. Sanford has already committed to signing the Act and making it law.
The House Judiciary Committee Approves the Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act
The Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act Passes the Full Senate
On March 25, 2010, the full South Carolina Senate passed S 1154, the Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act of 2010! The bill will now cross over to the House of Representatives for approval.
Judiciary Committee Passes Reform Bill
On March 24, 2010, The Judiciary Committee of the South Carolina Senate passed the Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act of 2010, S 1154. Listen to the audio report here.
Bi-Partisan Group of Senators Introduces Bill to Cut Crime and Prison Costs
On February 9, 2010, a bipartisan group of senators introduced the Crime Reduction and Sentencing Reform Act of 2010, S 1154. The Act, based on the South Carolina Sentencing Reform Commission Report to the General Assembly, holds great promise for cutting the cost of corrections and improving the safety of our communities. |
