How can public policy change a life?

State Policy Network’s state think tank affiliates consider that question on a daily basis. There is no single answer, but some answers—like criminal justice reform—can inspire truly special results.

Criminal justice reform is a critical issue for many reasons, but one of the most significant is that legislators, policy experts and taxpayers of every ideology, political party, and background can agree that our criminal justice system is in dire need of change.

At least 95 percent of people incarcerated in state prisons will be released back to their communities at some point. In most cases—especially for nonviolent offenders—there is an end date to their time being locked up. But for many, even after their incarceration in prison is over, there is an incarceration of circumstance. And it is often a life sentence.

For so many inmates, their crimes are rooted in drug addition, mental health issues, or economic hardships. While prison delivers the punishment for crimes committed, it rarely—if ever—offers the rehabilitation or support that people need to move their lives forward.

Trying to get a job or find affordable housing can be a peak that is unscalable for many. Because of a system that leaves people with limited options, over 75 percent of people who complete their prison time will be arrested again within five years of their release.

Overly-harsh criminal justice policies for nonviolent offenders can breed especially insidious results for people who are trapped because of a past mistake. SPN’s state think tank affiliates focus on giving these Americans a second chance. Thanks to their policy solutions, which are driving change across state lines, more former prisoners are going back to work, rejoining their communities, and rebuilding their lives and relationships.

Georgia criminal justice reform: Helping ex-offenders find meaningful work
The Georgia Center for Opportunity championed policy solutions that made it easier for ex-offenders to find work. Their reforms included lifting many of the licensing restrictions for those with a felony conviction, incentivizing employers to hire people reentering society from prison, and ensuring that every ex-offender receives proper identification before being released from prison—a small but critical step to obtaining a job.

Illinois criminal justice reform: Telling the stories behind reform to win support
In the midst of political debates it can be easy to forget that policy reforms are about making lives better. When the Illinois Policy Institute took on criminal justice reform, they sought to change many of the state’s harmful licensing laws for ex-offenders. But they also wanted to remind people of the personal reasons why fighting for effective policy is so important.

Ohio criminal justice reform: Making rehabilitation a priority for prisoners of all ages
The Buckeye Institute of Ohio has embarked on a campaign that can serve as a national model for how to champion criminal justice reforms. The Institute worked with Ohio government agencies to expand Targeted Community Alternatives to Prison beyond the juvenile system, safely relieve the state’s overcrowded prison system, and address the opioid epidemic.

Michigan criminal justice reform: Take away barriers to a second chance
When is a debt to society truly paid? How can someone survive after being in prison if state laws make it impossible to get a job with a criminal record? The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is working to raise awareness of this problem and partnering with other groups to build momentum.

Mississippi criminal justice reform: End the cycle of incarceration
For Mississippians trapped in the cycle of drug addiction and incarceration, there was no way out. Drug rehabilitation programs in prison are ineffective, and the state’s harsh laws for ex-offenders make it nearly impossible for them to find work after leaving prison. Empower Mississippi recognized this problem and worked with lawmakers and other organizations to create the Criminal Justice Reform Act that helps end the cycle of incarceration.

Texas criminal justice reform: Pioneering state-based reforms that are transforming federal policy
The Texas Public Policy Foundation launched Right on Crime, a national campaign that “supports conservative solutions for reducing crime, restoring victims, reforming offenders, and lowering taxpayer costs.” Two years later Texas was a national model for prison reform and inspired similar solutions in other states.

Utah criminal justice reform: Giving ex-offenders a second chance with a clean slate
Thanks to efforts of the Sutherland Institute, ex-offenders who have not re-offended will find it much easier to expunge their records and begin rebuilding their lives. The Clean Slate Initiative was signed into law in March 2019.

Wisconsin criminal justice reform: Creating change by showing lawmakers what’s working in other states
The Badger Institute focused their criminal justice reform campaign on helping ex-offenders access the resources they needed to break the cycle of returning to prison, a pattern known as “recidivism.” In addition to research, the Institute also developed new and innovative strategies and partnerships to engage the media, legislators, and the public.