First Step Act Explained. ; Dec 20, 2018 · A criminal justice reform effort known as

; Dec 20, 2018 · A criminal justice reform effort known as the First Step Act is just one step — a signature from President Donald Trump — away from becoming law and changing the lives of an estimated 30% of Jun 26, 2025 · WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court ruled today that the sentencing reductions under the First Step Act of 2018 apply to people whose pre-Act sentences are vacated and who are subject to resentencing after the law’s enactment. 1 Although the full import of this federal reform legislation remains an open question, it directly impacts the accused and sentenced prisoners in myriad ways. JSTOR Home Mar 4, 2019 · The First Step Act contains the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2018. It requires the Attorney General (AG) to develop a risk and needs assessment system for BOP to assess the recidivism risk and criminogenic needs of all federal prisoners and to place prisoners in recidivism reducing programs and productive activities to address their needs and reduce this risk. Dec 3, 2018 · The new version of FIRST STEP would apply the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which reduced the disparity between the crack and powder cocaine sentences from a ratio of 100-to-1 to 18-to-1, retroactively to those sentenced before the law passed. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is playing a key role in fulfilling Nov 1, 2022 · Current Bureau of Prison (BOP) staff, attorneys, and inmates indicate a significant lack of understanding and transparency regarding the First Step Act (FSA) and how it is implemented. 115-391) was signed into law by the President on December 21, 2018. Jan 29, 2019 · The First Step Act OVERVIEW AND PRACTICE ADVISORY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS JANUARY 29, 2019 SENTENCING RESOURCE COUNSEL, FEDERAL PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY DEFENDERS First Step Act Approved Programs Guide The January 2022 Approved Programs Guide is a collection of the Bureau's robust reentry programs, designed to ensure all sentenced inmates have the skills necessary to succeed upon release. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. If questions remain, contact abaronevans@gmail. federal law that reforms the criminal justice system by reducing sentences, expanding rehabilitation programs, and improving prison conditions. C. Dec 8, 2025 · Learn how to earn First Step Act time credits for early release from federal prison. On December 21, 2018, the President signed into law the bipartisan First Step Act of 2018. The First Step Act is intended to do two things: cut unnecessarily long federal sentences and improve conditions in federal prison. The First Step Act also expands the Second Chance Act. 2016) (when a sentence is vacated, the district court resentences the defendant “on a clean slate”); United States v. Dec 14, 2025 · A complete explanation of the First Step Act, detailing how federal law was reformed to modify sentences and establish earned credits for early release. Dec 18, 2018 · The First Step Act, which Trump signed into law, is the most significant criminal justice reform legislation in years. Hinds, 713 F. Senate 87-12 and the House 358-36, will usher in significant changes to federal sentencing laws as well as improvements to programs that aim to reduce recidivism and provide support to people who are involved in the criminal justice system. The First Step Act made important changes to how federal compassionate release works. Federal regulations regarding Dec 21, 2018 · WASHINGTON – Today, historic, bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation, S. Dec 17, 2018 · That the First Step Act has advanced this far under President Trump reflects the purchase criminal-justice reform has gained among not only Democrats but also conservative Republicans. The First Step Act would make the reform retroactive. 21, 2018, the FIRST STEP Act (“the Act”) was signed into law. Dep’t of Just. 19, 2022) (to be codified at 28 C. The First Step Act authorized eligible low-risk and elderly inmates to be transferred to home confinement when possible. Jun 23, 2020 · While much of the law is operating as intended, a secret change is keeping more people in federal prison during the pandemic. Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in December 2018. The Act is a federal criminal justice reform bill that changes many harsh federal sentencing laws. Former President Trump Signing the First Step Act into Place In regard to problems in the criminal justice system, the First Step Act reduced the mandatory minimum sentencing for many drug-related crimes. A bipartisan House coalition approved the bill, and it received substantial support from both parties. 756] First Step Act of 2018. Jan 13, 2025 · The 2018 law was intended to reduce harsh sentencing for non-violent drug offenses that have led to prison overcrowding. 202) The BOP must allow federal correctional officers to securely store and carry concealed firearms on BOP premises outside the security perimeter of a prison. Atkinson The Anatomy of the First Step Act: Key Components Explained The First Step Act is a complex piece of legislation with three main pillars: (1) sentencing and corrections reform, (2) recidivism reduction, and (3) improvements to prison conditions. It will be updated periodically as the Commission continues its policy priority work in this area. This “safety valve” provision allows judges to sentence low-level, nonviolent drug offenders to a term of imprisonment that is less than the mandatory minimum that would ordinarily apply. Jul 23, 2019 · The First Step Act – the first meaningful criminal justice reform in many years – is already beginning to make a positive difference in the lives of federal inmates, their families, and their communities. § 523, a final rule recently announced by the Department of Justice that you can review, in full, here. The First Step Act is significant legislation that affects BOP inmates and their families. Those eligible would still have to petition for release and go before a judge in a process that also involves input Dec 21, 2018 · First Step Act Rules Read the statute. If you The First Step Act also expanded the “safety valve” provision that previously applied to people without a criminal record. The law: Aug 22, 2023 · This brief describes why reforms included in the First Step Act have been deemed necessary to advance a fairer federal sentencing system and reduce the size of the federal prison population. Jan 15, 2019 · The Act increased “good time credits” that inmates can earn. federal criminal law aimed at reforming federal prisons and sentencing laws in order to reduce recidivism, decreasing the federal inmate population, and maintaining public safety. The Act deals mostly with reentry of the incarcerated, directing the Federal Bureau of Prisons to take specific actions regarding programming, good-time credit, and compassionate release, among other issues. Sentencing Commission, Administrative Office of U. Dec 19, 2018 · After the Senate passed sweeping, bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation, President Trump said he “looks forward” to signing the bill into law. The First Step Act earned time credits is a way for federal inmates to secure an early release from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Here is what you need to know. Like other criminal laws passed by Congress and signed into law, such as the Second May 5, 2021 · The First Step Act requires that the Attorney General and BOP complete a risk and needs assessment for each prisoner. United States, 842 F. The approved programs are standardized across institutions, described in the Bureau's national policies, implemented with dedicated resources, and regularly reviewed Apr 3, 2025 · The First Step Act, formally known as the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act, is a bipartisan criminal justice bill passed by the 115th U. Although it agreed with the defendants that the lower court’s interpretation of the First Step Act was “incorrect,” the federal government had nonetheless urged the Supreme Court to deny both cases. 2013) (“[T]here is no meaningful difference between an initial sentence and a resentencing,” a change in law applies “in both cases. Developing and evaluating a new risk and needs First Step Act The FSA Public Law 115-391 passed on December 18, 2018. NIJ plays a key role in major components of the Act and will assist the Attorney General in — Assessing the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ existing risk and needs assessment system. The First Step Act incentivizes prisoners to participate in evidence-based programming designed to reduce recidivism. Overview of the First Step Act The First Step Act (FSA) is one of the most significant criminal justice reforms in recent U. The Law Office of Brandon Sample has assembled this detailed analysis of the First Step Act 2018 to help the public understand the ins and outs of the bill. 2K views 50:32 The BOP Designation Process Explained 9-29-25 show Oct 28, 2025 · 1. The change I’m most happy to see, though, was the reduction in sentencing for crack offenders. Jun 14, 2022 · And although some judges disagree, many have ruled that because the First Step Act acknowledged the inappropriately long sentences resulting from drug and gun enhancements before the Act, defendants who received those sentences present an extraordinary and compelling reason for compassionate release. The First Step Act 2018 Bill Summary: On December 21, 2018, the President signed into law The First Step Act 2018, a bipartisan effort to reform the federal criminal justice system. 18 USC 1 note. Jul 18, 2024 · The Bureau of Prisons put out a video that goes a long way in helping prisoners and BOP staff understand the First Step Act there is still a lot of work to do. It was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 21, 2018, and signaled positive changes to the federal prison system, mainly the FSA-earned time credits. The First Step Act was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2018 Follow the latest news headlines from Australia's most trusted source. The Act also expands compassionate release for qualifying federal inmates and offers current federal inmates rehabilitative programming and the possibility for early release from prison. S. Sep 5, 2024 · The First Step Act of 2018 (the Act) aims to reform the federal prison system and reduce recidivism. Read more! Key Takeaways At-a-Glance: Fixing Past Sentences: The First Step Act of 2018 retroactively applied the fair_sentencing_act_of_2010, correcting sentencing disparities for crack cocaine offenses and allowing thousands of individuals to seek and receive immediate sentence reductions. CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. The First Step Act of 2018 aims to reduce recidivism and reform the federal prison system so that those exiting the system do not return. WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP ACT? In late 2018, President Donald Trump signed into law a criminal justice bill called the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safety Transition Every Person Act, or “First Step Act,” into law. 21, 2018 [S. Feb 18, 2021 · Fig 1. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. face Signed Into Law on December 21st, 2018 The First Step Act (P. What is the assessment? Jan 21, 2020 · While the retroactive guideline amendment under the FSA indeed applied under § 3582 (c) (2) dealing with retroactive guideline amendments, “ [t]he First Step Act thus fits under the narrow exception to finality provided by § 3582 (c) (1) (B),” the Court explained, “because it expressly permits the court” to do so. It sets up a risk and needs assessment programs that classifies prisoners according to their risk. R. Jul 26, 2024 · United States and Duffey v. Aug 31, 2020 · In First Step Act Year One, of 13,138 drug traficking offenders convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty, 41. org, or FPD office. 1K views 50:31 The Federal Time Credit Sheet Explained 9-8-25 show Oct 28, 2025 · 897 Stay updated with the latest news and stories from around the world on Google News. (a) Short Title. The bill’s timid reach is evident in its name, indicating the bill is only the first step in reforming the federal criminal justice system, with future reform on the horizon. The Act increases the cap to 54 days, allowing well-behaved inmates to cut their prison sentence by an additional week for each year… Nov 16, 2018 · That’s the year Congress, in the so-called Fair Sentencing Act, reduced the huge disparity in punishment between crack cocaine and the powdered form of the drug. It changes and expands the compassionate release eligibility criteria; ensures the prisoners have the right to appeal the BOP’s denial or neglect of the prisoner’s request for a compassionate release directly to court; and provides other important features First Step Act of 2018 [Public Law 115–391] [This law has not been amended] AN ACT To reauthorize and amend the Marine Debris Act to promote international action to reduce marine debris, and for other purposes. Inmates can shave off 10 days from their sentence for every 30 Jan 23, 2024 · The FIRST STEP ACT reduces the number of federal prisoners and improves conditions for those incarcerated. The First Step Act (FSA) is a law, signed on December 21, 2018, with provisions that impact Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmates and their families. Short title; table of contents. One major change is the expansion of opportunities which facilitate transition back into society. The First Step Act of 2018 is based on the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed, Safely Transitioning Every Person Act (FIRST STEP) co-authored by Rep. 18, 2018. But will they? For now, it’s hard to say. Mar 4, 2019 · The First Step Act contains the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2018. First Step Act Approved Programs Guide The Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) protects public safety by ensuring those in federal prison receive relevant and meaningful reentry programming to support their return to the community as law-abiding citizens. 2 days ago · 48:42 The New First Step Act Calculator Video Explained 10 Oct 28, 2025 · 2. FIRST STEP ACT OF 2018 Public Law 115–391 115th Congress An Act Dec. øCurrency: This publication is a compilation of the text of Public Law 115-391. Nov 1, 2022 · The final rule on First Step Act (FSA) was only published in January 2022 in the Federal Register, over three years after President Donald Trump signed the legislation into law. This act encourages and assists offenders to earn additional time off their Mar 29, 2017 · Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act of 2018 (Sec. Jan 8, 2019 · In 2018, President Trump signed the FIRST STEP Act into law, but what is the FIRST STEP Act? And how will it affect America's incarcerated population? Mar 4, 2019 · These documents were prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). Aug 19, 2024 · The First Step Act of 2018 started with some ambitious goals, but has hit many bumps along the way since then which has prevented the full, accurate extent o. It changes and expands the compassionate release eligibility criteria; ensures the prisoners have the right to appeal the BOP’s denial or neglect of the prisoner’s request for a compassionate release directly to court; and provides other important features Upon input from law enforcement, the bill excludes prisoners from receiving time credits under the First Step Act who were convicted of fentanyl or heroin offenses involving 5 and 10 year mandatory minimums and who were organizers, leaders, managers or supervisors in the offense. Oct 17, 2021 · The First Step Act is a bipartisan criminal justice law passed in 2018, designed to remedy some of the systemic issues in the American federal prison system. Learn more at FindLaw's section on Sentencing. Do not rely on summaries/advice from U. The FSA requires BOP to develop guidance for wardens of prisons and community-based facilities to enter into recidivism-reducing partnerships with nonprofit and other private organizations, including faith-based and community-based organizations to deliver recidivism reduction programming. May 22, 2018 · Congress’s prison reform bill, explained The First Step Act has Trump’s support — but faces some Democratic opposition. By comparison, in fiscal year 2018, of 10,716 drug traficking offenders convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty, 35. 3d 1303, 1305 (11th Cir. The act has had meaningful impacts on non-violent incarcerated offenders in the federal prison system and their families. (See United States v. Oct 25, 2019 · As Professor Melissa Hamilton explained at last Thursday’s hearing, with the tool’s current design, “African-American males are far less likely to ever earn the best incentives and rewards from the First Step Act. The law aims to produce lower odds of recidivism by incentivizing incarcerated individuals to engage in rigorous, evidence-based rehabilitation and education programming. The reauthorized programs include the Adult and Juvenile State and Local Offender Demonstration Program, Grants for Family-Based Substance Abuse We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Feb 27, 2025 · The First Step Act of 2018 is a U. Courts, DOJ, BOP. INTRODUCTION The Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act, or First Step Act, is a bipartisan crime bill enacted in 2018 under the 115th Congress. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) states that the goal of this act is to “reduce the size of the federal prison population while also Nala The First Step Act – Q1 2024 Facts & Findings The First Step Act was a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that was signed into law by President Donald J. , Bureau of Prisons, FSA Time Credits, 87 Fed. Jan 4, 2019 · The FIRST STEP Act will now apply the Fair Sentencing Act to 3,000 people who were convicted of crack offenses before the law went into effect. The First Step Act, formally known as the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act, is a bipartisan criminal justice bill passed by the 115th U. Mar 7, 2022 · Discover what the First Step Act means for federal inmates: sentencing reform, earned time credits, and practical steps for early release explained. pts. Additionally, the act aimed to facilitate a smoother transition for inmates reentering society by expanding access to halfway houses and home confinement. 110-199). L. See United States v. Signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 21, 2018, it focuses on Aug 30, 2018 · The FIRST STEP Act, short for Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act, or H. 756, was signed into law. " "Because district courts are always obligated to consider nonfrivolous arguments presented by the parties, the First Step Act requires district courts to consider intervening changes when parties raise them," the justice explained. § 3632(d)(4). Some of the challenges Originally drafted and proposed in early 2018, the First Step Act was created as “new age” legislation after the Second Chance Act of 2007. Apr 1, 2019 · The First Step Act expanded avenues for eligible elderly and terminally ill prisoners to get their sentences reduced by allowing for their motions to be directly filed with the courts. What the First Step Act Means for Federal Prisoners By Todd Bussert On Dec. The most recent interpretation of the law’s Time Credits program is set forth in 28 C. ” The First Step Act passed by a vote of 87-12 on Dec. If they prove effective, the provisions aimed at First Step Act implementation could make a big difference. The act was the culmination of a bi-partisan effort to improve criminal justice outcomes, as well as to reduce the size of the federal prison population while also creating mechanisms to maintain public safety. ”); Krieger v. The Aug 31, 2020 · (August 2020) With a full year of data now available since the passage of the First Step Act of 2018, the Commission released a new report examining the Act's five sentencing reform provisions. Beyond sentencing reform, the FIRST STEP Act includes provisions that will improve conditions for current prisoners and address several laws that increased racial disparities in the federal <p>The First Step Act is a significant criminal justice reform law enacted in 2018, aimed at addressing the high rates of incarceration in the United States, particularly related to non-violent drug offenses. . 2705 (Jan. The Law Office of Brandon Sample has assembled this detailed analysis of the First Step Act to help the public understand the ins and outs of the bill. F. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and Republican Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09), that overwhelmingly passed the House in May. 8 percent (n=5,493) received statutory safety valve relief from the mandatory minimum penalty. Trump on December 21, 2018. Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit. Dec 11, 2024 · This toolkit provides a collection of publicly available resources on First Step Act Earned Time Credits. 3K views 45:45 RRC and Home Confinement Explained 9-22-25 show Oct 28, 2025 · 1. Learn about the First Step Act, who is eligible for First Step credits, and how to earn time off a federal sentence. This act reauthorizes appropriations for and expands the scope of some grant programs that were initially authorized under the Second Chance Act of 2007 (P. Sep 18, 2025 · Discover the essential criteria for qualifying under the First Step Act. Dec 3, 2018 · The bill, known as the First Step Act, would take modest steps to reform the criminal justice system and ease very punitive prison sentences at the federal level. To reauthorize and amend the Marine Debris Act to promote international action to reduce marine debris, and for other purposes. The First Step Act (P. By comparison, the enhanced mandatory minimum Dec 30, 2024 · By: Emily Gill ‘26 Volume X – Issue I – Fall 2024 I. Aug 4, 2019 · Looking for a First Step Act summary? We have answers to common questions raised about the First Step Act courtesy of the Bureau of Prisons. ly/2JjpnIb- - - - - - - - - - - - -Facebook: https://www. Proposed by Senators John Cornyn and Sheldon Whitehouse, and signed into law by President Donald Trump, the Act seeks to mitigate the impact of harsh sentencing laws established during Aug 20, 2024 · The ongoing legal debate highlights the complexity of the law’s implementation and the need for continuous evaluation and adjustment. Jul 14, 2025 · The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has faced significant challenges in implementing the First Step Act (FSA), a 2018 law aimed at reforming the federal prison system. First Step Act: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know and More On December 21, 2018, the President signed into law the bipartisan First Step Act of 2018. Mar 16, 2025 · The First Step Act represents a significant shift in federal criminal justice policy, with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. 115-391 756) was signed into law on December 21, 2018. The enhanced mandatory mini-mum penalty of life imprisonment (for an offense resulting in death or serious bodily injury) applied to only 11 offenders in First Step Act Year One. Inmates who avoid a disciplinary record can currently get credits of up to 47 days per year incarcerated. Reg. May 12, 2023 · Used with permission By Brandon Sample . 523, 541). By understanding its provisions, individuals impacted by the criminal justice system can make informed decisions and take advantage of available opportunities for early release and rehabilitation. 5682 is a bipartisan prison reform bill passed by the House of Representatives on May 22, 2018. United States, in which the court granted review on July 2. com, aamra_ahmad@fd. Nov 4, 2023 · The First Step Act Calculator determine the potential reduction in an inmate's sentence based on their good behavior while incarcerated. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members In general, those impacts fall into three categories: law enforcement accountability, First Step Act implementation and prison conditions. Jul 19, 2019 · July 19, 2019 An offender’s first steps out of prison are important steps toward a crime-free and productive life. Read in-depth expert analysis and watch live coverage on ABC News. This page provides an overview of how the Act affects reductions in recidivism, incentives for success, confinement, correctional reforms, sentencing reforms, and oversight. history. the rehabilitative purpose for each First Step Act expenditure and proposal for the prior and current fiscal years, detailing the number of available and proposed dedicated programming staff and resources, the use of augmentation among Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff, and BOP staffing levels at each facility; Dec 21, 2018 · The First Step Act, which passed the U. —This Act may be cited as the “Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act” or the “FIRST STEP Act”. The new 25-year enhanced mandatory minimum penalty, which was reduced from life imprisonment by the First Step Act, applied to 21 offenders in First Step Act Year One. 7 percent (n=3,820) received The First Step Act also seeks to expand opportunities for people in federal prisons to participate in rehabilitative programming to support their success after release. Jan 13, 2023 · The Federal Government has not adequately communicated the changes made in the First Step Act. Understand your eligibility and take the first step towards change. FAMM FirstStepFACTS v3 Dec 20, 2024 · The First Step Act created a system of earned time credits for prisoners who participated in programs found to reduce recidivism. Nov 17, 2023 · The First Step Act of December 2018 The First Step was signed in December 2018, enacting several changes in U. Prison Conditions and Reentry Programs: The First Step Act sought to improve prison conditions by enhancing the availability of educational and vocational programs. Nevertheless, the First Step Act remains a pivotal move toward a criminal justice system focused on providing rehabilitation and second chances. The First Step Act is a federal law that was enacted on December 21, 2018, and is codified at 18 U. Jun 27, 2022 · Nothing in the First Step Act contains such a limitation. 3d 490, 505‐06 (7th Cir. Complete eligibility requirements, program list, and credit calculation examples.

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