NEWSLETTER: JANF Hosts Bipartisan Convening on Smart Justice Policies
Dear Friends,
Last week, Justice Action Network Foundation (JANF) hosted its fourth State Lawmaker Convening on Smart Justice Policies in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This closed-door, bipartisan gathering brought together 30 top state lawmakers who are leaders on smart justice reforms in their states. Lawmakers in attendance represent a cross-section of the country in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah.
This convening was limited to state legislators from across the country who are leading efforts to advance smart justice policies that improve public safety, reduce recidivism, remove barriers to reentry, and strengthen the workforce and economy.
Lawmakers who attended left our time together equipped with tangible policy ideas and strategies to drive legislative progress in 2026, as well as connections to like-minded colleagues across the country who they can stay in touch with going forward.
Lawmakers Leading the Way
Throughout the convening, lawmakers led candid discussions on recent successes and lessons learned, inspiring their peers to take action back home. Among those who shared their work were:
Minnesota Rep. Jamie Long (DFL), who shared the demonstrated impact of Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act, removing barriers to gainful employment for thousands of returning Minnesotans.
Oklahoma Rep. Tammy West (R), who shared her passion for setting people up for success and creating generational change through fines and fees reform legislation.
Bipartisan Arizona lawmakers who helped to make independent correctional oversight a reality in the state this year, Sen. Shawnna Bolick (R), Rep. Walt Blackman (R), and Sen. Analise Ortiz (D).
Ohio Rep. Darnell Brewer (D), who spoke about how Ohio’s retroactive driver’s license suspension reform is breaking previously inescapable cycles.
Colorado Rep. Jennifer Bacon (D), who spoke about how occupational licensing reform is making it easier for those with unrelated criminal records to obtain licenses in their chosen field, thereby strengthening the workforce and tackling recidivism.
Rep. Jamie Long (DFL-MN)
Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety, Tricia Everest
The convening also featured a presentation on Early Intervention, Rehabilitation, and a Cultural Shift in Corrections from Tricia Everest, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Public Safety, and Annette Jacobi, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.
Attendees also had an opportunity to hear a presentation from Ben Horowitz of AH Datalytics regarding real-time crime trends and how timely data can better inform public policy.
Business Leaders at the Table
This year, lawmakers also heard from business leaders whose companies are championing second-chance hiring and workforce re-entry initiatives, including:
Harris Rollinger, Sr. Program Manager for Hidden Talent and Early Careers at KeHE Distributors.
Megan Schulte, Vice President of Human Resources at Frontier Co-op.
Stephanie Hogue, a Senior Employee Relations Manager at Delta Air Lines who leads the Arrest Record Review Team.
Ryan Brennan, the Co-Founder of Rézme, a Fair Chance Hiring software company that helps employers automate compliance and expand their candidate pool by integrating with HR and background check system.
Reflections
JANF’s Lawmaker Convening on Smart Justice Policies was an action-oriented conference. We wanted lawmakers to walk away with great ideas, connections, and enthusiasm to bring back to their states in 2026.
As Harris Rollinger from KeHe stated, “A conference like this brings together people who genuinely want to do the work and take the politics out of it.”
Senator Analise Ortiz (D–AZ) echoed that spirit: “Today I had the opportunity to hear from legislators from states like Ohio and Minnesota, and I have so many ideas I want to introduce here in Arizona.”
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and made this convening a success. Their commitment and collaboration are helping to shape smarter, fairer, and more effective justice policies across the country.
JANF Team: Lauren Krisai, Executive Director; Syrita Simpkins, Director of External Affairs; and Estrella Lopez, Senior State Policy Manager.