To amend section 3634 of title 18, United States Code, to extend the period for First Step Act reports.
Summary
This bill, introduced in the Senate, proposes an amendment to Section 3634 of Title 18 of the United States Code. The amendment aims to extend the reporting period for the First Step Act from 5 years to 10 years. This extension would allow for a longer period to assess the impact and effectiveness of the First Step Act.
The First Step Act focuses on criminal justice reform, particularly concerning sentencing and rehabilitation programs. Extending the reporting period suggests a desire for more comprehensive data and analysis regarding the Act's outcomes.
The bill was introduced by Mr. Durbin, for himself and Mr. Grassley, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to lengthen the duration over which reports on the First Step Act are required. This would provide policymakers and the public with a more extended view of the Act's impact on various aspects of the criminal justice system.
It could also influence future decisions regarding criminal justice reform, potentially leading to adjustments or expansions of the First Step Act based on the extended data collection period.
Ultimately, the extension aims to provide a more thorough understanding of the Act's long-term consequences.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Data Collection: Extends the period for data collection, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the First Step Act's impact.
- Enhanced Policy Evaluation: Provides a longer timeframe for evaluating the effectiveness of the Act's provisions.
- Informed Decision-Making: Allows policymakers to make more informed decisions regarding criminal justice reform based on long-term outcomes.
- Potential for Program Improvement: The extended reporting period may reveal areas where the First Step Act can be improved or adjusted.
- Increased Transparency: More comprehensive reporting enhances transparency and accountability in the implementation of the First Step Act.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Delayed Action: Extending the reporting period could delay potential adjustments or improvements to the First Step Act if issues are identified early on.
- Increased Administrative Burden: Longer reporting periods may increase the administrative burden on the agencies responsible for data collection and analysis.
- Potential for Stale Data: Data collected over a longer period may become less relevant over time due to changing circumstances or priorities.
- Resource Allocation: Resources dedicated to extended reporting could potentially be used for other criminal justice initiatives.
- No Guarantee of Action: Extended reporting does not guarantee that any action will be taken based on the findings.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 1, which grants legislative powers to Congress. The bill is a proposed amendment to existing law, falling within Congress's purview to create and modify laws.
Furthermore, the First Step Act itself addresses issues related to sentencing and rehabilitation, which can be connected to the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.
Extending the reporting period does not inherently violate any specific constitutional provision.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).