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.

With state legislative sessions officially underway or kicking off soon, we are excited to share the bold state-level reforms we are working to advance in 2026. We are focused on key states where our legislative champions are fired up and where meaningful change is within reach.

Alongside our strong legislative leaders and coalition of advocacy groups, impacted individuals, employers, business groups, and stakeholders, we are optimistic that these efforts will result in laws signed with an immediate impact.

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.

As 2025 comes to an end, we’re reflecting on all of the progress we’ve seen over the last 10 years since Justice Action Network was founded. We sat down with our Executive Director, Lauren Krisai, to hear her thoughts on how the organization and policy work has evolved over the last 10 years, and what we hope to see over the next decade.

This year, JAN + JANF focused our resources in states where we have the strongest relationships and where we believe have the biggest opportunities for reform in 2025: Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

We’re thrilled to report that our focused advocacy approach paid off: NINE JAN-supported bills were signed into law!

This month we’re recognizing the critical role employment plays in empowering individuals on their path to success, and building economically resilient communities. At JAN + JANF, we believe robust workforce development must include everyone, including people who are ready to earn their second chance.

Yesterday, Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma reaffirmed the state’s role as a national leader in modernizing its justice system with the ceremonial signing of House Bills 1460 and 1462. This marks the continuation of building a smarter justice system that prioritizes real accountability, smarter re-entry, and justice for everyone.

“We applaud Governor Stitt for acknowledging that creating safe communities requires a dual approach of advancing public safety policies and facilitating individuals’ progression out of incarceration cycles,” said Lauren Krisai, Deputy Director at JAN. “We appreciate the Governor's ongoing commitment to modernizing all aspects of the justice system, and mentioning the need for a modernized approach to fines and fees as well as more transparency and accountability around civil asset forfeiture.

Sponsored by Representative Brian Hill (R-Mustang), HB 2490 allows Oklahomans who have served five years of their suspended sentence or suspended portion of their split sentences in their communities to petition a judge for a sentence modification if they have completed the terms and conditions of their probation—including maintaining or actively seeking employment and completing rehabilitative programming—and they have no pending violations or revocation hearings.

While some states have been doubling down on outdated “lock-’em-up” policies, elected leaders in Oklahoma have looked toward evidence-based ideas to improve correctional outcomes, reduce recidivism and improve workforce opportunities for people who have earned a second chance.