I strongly support HB 853, which establishes a fair, thoughtful process for sentence modification for individuals who have been incarcerated long term and have demonstrated meaningful rehabilitation. This legislation acknowledges that people are capable of change and that lengthy incarceration, particularly over decades, can significantly alter an individual’s risk profile and readiness to reintegrate into society.
HB 853 allows courts to consider critical factors such as demonstrated rehabilitation, age, time served, and an individual’s propensity to reoffend. Extensive research shows that people who have aged while incarcerated present a substantially lower risk to public safety. This bill does not guarantee release; rather, it provides a carefully structured opportunity for judicial review, ensuring that public safety and accountability remain central to the decision-making process.
For individuals serving sentences without parole eligibility, HB 853 offers a meaningful path to review where none currently exists. It recognizes rehabilitation, incentivizes positive behavior, and affirms that justice should be both firm and fair. By permitting individualized consideration after a significant period of incarceration, this bill promotes proportionality, strengthens families and communities, and reflects an evidence-based approach to sentencing reform. I urge the General Assembly to support and pass HB 853.
I strongly support HB 853, which establishes a fair, thoughtful process for sentence modification for individuals who have been incarcerated long term and have demonstrated meaningful rehabilitation. This legislation acknowledges that people are capable of change and that lengthy incarceration, particularly over decades, can significantly alter an individual’s risk profile and readiness to reintegrate into society. HB 853 allows courts to consider critical factors such as demonstrated rehabilitation, age, time served, and an individual’s propensity to reoffend. Extensive research shows that people who have aged while incarcerated present a substantially lower risk to public safety. This bill does not guarantee release; rather, it provides a carefully structured opportunity for judicial review, ensuring that public safety and accountability remain central to the decision-making process. For individuals serving sentences without parole eligibility, HB 853 offers a meaningful path to review where none currently exists. It recognizes rehabilitation, incentivizes positive behavior, and affirms that justice should be both firm and fair. By permitting individualized consideration after a significant period of incarceration, this bill promotes proportionality, strengthens families and communities, and reflects an evidence-based approach to sentencing reform. I urge the General Assembly to support and pass HB 853.