This year, Governor Kevin Stitt signed three Justice Action Network-backed criminal justice reform bills into law that deliver transformative progress for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans. Together, these laws will expand access to second chances, improve hearings regarding a defendant’s ability to pay fines and fees, and shine a light on the use of incarceration for unpaid court debt, laying the groundwork for even smarter reforms ahead.

This year, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed four major Justice Action Network-supported bills into law! Together, these laws will shine a light on the use of incarceration for unpaid court debt, strengthen probation, eliminate some burdensome court fees, and expand treatment options for justice-involved veterans.

Every year, after state legislative sessions have adjourned and governors have acted on the bills that have crossed their desks, the JAN team conducts an internal debrief built around one question: Were we successful this year? It’s a straightforward question, but one with a surprisingly complex answer.

No two legislative sessions ever feel the same, each one feels uniquely challenging. 

With most of our priority state legislative sessions having ended, now is a great time to reflect on the progress made this year.

We will be providing a broader read-out from all of our priority states in a future newsletter, but for now, we are celebrating the exciting victories coming out of Oklahoma and also highlighting our ongoing efforts to secure funding for Arizona's Independent Correctional Oversight Office.

Legislative sessions are now in full swing in three of our priority states: Arizona, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. In New Mexico, the legislature has already concluded its fast-paced 30-day session.

Across these states, the legislation we’re supporting is gaining traction, sparking robust discussions, and opening pathways for change.

None of this progress happens without strong leadership. The legislative sponsors championing these bills have been extraordinary partners, and their commitment, persistence, and willingness to push these efforts forward are what turn good ideas into lasting impact. We are grateful for the work they are doing to move these bills across the finish line and to improve the lives of individuals and communities across their states.

Below, you’ll find a snapshot of where things stand in each state and why we're genuinely optimistic that this could be a big year for reform.

Justice Action Network (JAN) Executive Director Lauren Krisai today joined Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha, a bipartisan pairing of lawmakers, and a representative from the Minnesota County Attorney’s Association for a press conference at the State Capitol to unveil a report detailing how bipartisan reform legislation enacted in 2021 has driven a significant reduction in civil asset forfeiture cases in Minnesota. JAN played a key role in the drafting and passage of the 2021 compromise legislation.