2025 in Review: Record-Breaking Progress for Smart Justice
As we close out our 10th year, Justice Action Network is proud to reflect on a year of extraordinary impact. Below is a snapshot of what we accomplished, by the numbers.
In 2025, ten pieces of JAN-supported legislation were signed into law across three states. These bills cover five issue areas–corrections reform, community supervision reform, fines and fees reform, sentencing modernization, and re-entry reform–and include four bills that received unanimous support in both chambers! The reforms passed in these states represent significant system-level change.
Implementation and Impact
Beyond legislation passed, two major reforms that JAN helped drive across the finish line–Minnesota’s Clean Slate law and Ohio’s driver’s license suspension reform–took effect in 2025, and both are already having a major impact.
Ohio driver’s license suspension reform
JAN-supported House Bill 29 was signed into law in January of this year and went into effect in April. Since its effective date, the law has already had a major impact:
Driver’s license suspensions lifted 429,501
Reinstatement fees waived: $8.4 million
Ohioans impacted by suspensions lifted: 170,510
Ohioans with licenses reinstated: 7,076
Minnesota Clean Slate Act
JAN advocated for the passage of Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act for four years before it finally became law in 2023. As of January 1 of this year, the law officially went into effect.
While implementation is still ongoing, so far more than 787,000 records have been expunged so far! Every record sealed represents a second chance opportunity.
Events Roundup
This year, Justice Action Network Foundation hosted two events: a Clean Slate Act celebration in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and our State Lawmaker Convening on Smart Justice Policies in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In March, Justice Action Network Foundation co-hosted an event with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation celebrating the enactment of the Minnesota Clean Slate Act, which went into effect January 1st of this year. The event served as a great reminder of how bipartisan collaboration can lead to meaningful change in the state.
JANF’s Clean Slate Act Celebration event speakers: Drew Evans, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney; Lauren Krisai, Executive Director of JANF; Dr. Eric Jolly, former President and CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
In November, JANF hosted our fourth State Lawmaker Convening on Smart Justice Policies in Scottsdale, Arizona. This closed-door, bipartisan gathering brought together 30 of the top legislative leaders for smart justice policies in nine states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah.
These champions for smart justice reform gathered to present and discuss ten pieces of legislation they sponsored, ranging from drivers license suspension reform to independent correctional oversight to fee elimination.
Lauren Krisai, Executive Director; Syrita Simpkins, Director of External Affairs; Estrella López, Senior State Policy Manager
Rep. Jamie Long, Democratic House Floor Leader speaking on the impact of the Minnesota Clean Slate Act
Looking Ahead: What’s on the Horizon in 2026
Our legislative agenda in our four priority states–Arizona, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma–is shaping up to be full of big, bold reforms that we’re excited to share with you in early 2026. Stay tuned!
Other developments to look forward to: in early 2026, we will be launching our new website. A makeover has been long overdue, and we’re looking forward to sharing a site that reflects the full depth and breadth of the work that we do that is much easier to navigate.
Help us Continue Winning in 2026: Consider Making a Year End Contribution
The legislative advocacy work that we do would not be possible without contributions from generous donors. As we head into the 2026 legislative cycle, your support is urgently needed. If you stand with JAN in building a smarter, more effective justice system, we hope you’ll consider making a one-time or monthly donation today.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!
Warmly,
The Justice Action Network team