On Tuesday, U.S. Justice Action Network (U.S. JAN) and GOPAC Education Fund are hosting a Governors Forum on Justice Reform at the Republican National Convention. This will occur at 11 a.m. EST at the Great Lakes Science Center at 601 Erieside Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. A live stream is available here.
Follow the forum on Twitter using the hashtag #JusticeReformRNC. Watch the live stream on Facebook here and at the bottom of this post.
The discussion includes Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Ohio Senate President Keith Faber, GOPAC Chairman David Avella, and U.S. JAN Executive Director Holly Harris.
ATR and the US Justice Action Network work to reform over-regulations and produce quality solutions to prevent recidivism and unnecessary incarceration within the US justice system. Both partner in the goal to work towards improving America’s future.
At the event, there is a documentary screening featuring the above listed governors, exploring the accomplishments and challenges within their respective justice systems. The governors will conduct a panel discussion after the screening which is open to the press and includes a brief media availability with the governors.
Each panel member made a significant contribution to criminal justice reform in his or her respective state or organization. Specifically…
Georgia: In 2012, Georgia lawmakers, including Gov. Deal, passed a package to create a new system of graduated sanctions for burglary, forgery, theft, and simple drug possession. Low level, first time drug offenders were given community alternatives. Prison space is now reserved for the most serious offenses. The package improved probation, drug treatment programs, accountability courts, electronic monitoring, and data collections.
Kentucky: Gov. Bevin created the Criminal Justice Policy Assessment Council in June 2016 to study the state’s code and suggest improvements for the 2017 General Assembly to consider. Specifically, the council will focus on sentencing and corrections. The 23-member council includes bipartisan lawmakers, judges, prosecutors, police, clergy, business leaders, and community leaders.
Oklahoma: Gov. Fallin signed a justice reform package in April 2016 to reform sentencing laws, expand drug court jurisdiction, and change lesser, nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors.
Ohio: The 2013-2014 Ohio General Assembly created the Ohio Criminal Justice Recodification Committee to examine the state’s criminal code. Meetings started in May 2015. The committee will recommend comprehensive reforms to simplify the code and efficiently consume state resources by preventing recidivism by August 1, 2016.
GOPAC Education Fund: As the organization itself notes, it is, “dedicated to furthering the common good and general welfare…by promoting conservative policies for federal, state and local governments that lower taxes, limits the size of government and sets the right business environment for job creation.” After examining conservative success through states like Texas and Georgia, GOPAC supports efforts to implement conservative policies to reform federal and state criminal justice systems.
To RSVP, contact [email protected]. Shuttles for delegates and the press are provided at delegation hotels with a 10 a.m. departure time to the Great Lakes Science Center.
Follow the forum on Twitter using the hashtag #JusticeReformRNC.
ATR also encourages those who cannot attend to watch the live stream here.