According to Governor Bill Lee, two new criminal justice reform policies will help reduce the burden of incarcerated individuals on taxpayers throughout the state.
“Today marks a shift in the trajectory of criminal justice in TN. The legislation signed today will create generational change & transform lives while saving taxpayer dollars,” Lee said in a tweet.
Today marks a shift in the trajectory of criminal justice in TN. The legislation signed today will create generational change & transform lives while saving taxpayer dollars. pic.twitter.com/ZcDYKxMNnU
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) May 24, 2021
“I’m grateful for the support from members of the General Assembly & other leaders across our state. We’ve worked together to do what’s best for Tennesseans by focusing on conservative practices that will make our communities safer & reduce recidivism,” he followed up in a subsequent tweet.
I’m grateful for the support from members of the General Assembly & other leaders across our state. We've worked together to do what’s best for Tennesseans by focusing on conservative practices that will make our communities safer & reduce recidivism.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) May 24, 2021
One bill, the Re-entry Success Act, will create a mandatory supervision program for individuals who are recently released from prison and reduce the period of time between an individual’s parole hearings. Further, the act will allow former incarcerated individuals to apply for certifications with fewer restrictions.
The other bill, the Alternatives to Incarceration Act, will assist local governments in locating community-based alternatives to prison. In addition to capping the duration of probation for offenders, the legislation prevents a judge from revoking probation based on one instance of “technical violation.”
Recently, Lee hosted a discussion with former Speaker Newt Gingrich and Gov. Rick Perry on his initiatives. Gingrich highlighted the need to assist people for life after they are released from prison. He said, “[It’s] very profoundly conservative to have a re-entry program, [a] diversion program, [and] to recognize that we want to plan for the day you enter prison for how you’re going to leave prison.”
Criminal justice reform was a key platform for Lee throughout his campaign for governor.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Gov. Bill Lee signing legislation” by Gov. Bill Lee.
We do not need Lee’s “reforms” that put criminals back on the street like a revolving door. The guy is a loser.