Prison Reform Bill 2018

There is a bill going through the halls of Washington D.C. to maybe pass a Prison Reform Bill that even President Trump has supported greatly. Helping Prisoners in our land that leads the world on having the biggest percentage of its population  incarcerated could just be serving lip service. Its widely known that our Prison Industry is one of the leading industries in America and its cheap labor which follow closely behind. In some ways I still take a cynical point of view that how much do the politicians really care to reform a industry which brings them huge dividends.

Coined the " First Step Act " signals a step in the right direction but will only have a impact on Federal Prisoners. Which is a small percentage of the Prison Complex. There is a turning tide though because I believe this piece of legislation and the Democrats desperate need for votes the state Florida gave the " Right to Vote " back to a estimated 1 million felons , is a sign of change. May not be the most genuine change but in the least it is still change.

H.R. 5682 has already been introduced and passed the House of Representatives. President Trump is urging those of the Senate to vote in favor of the bill promising that it will get signed by him in turn making it law. The bill touts a new Risk and Assessment of inmates that are eligible for release. With the intent of reintroducing them to the civilian world and have a better success rate and not return to incarceration. It is far to common now how most prisons seem to have a revolving door. Many aspects effect a felon once released to the " wild " civilian world. It becomes a uphill struggle and will face great criticism , racism , stereotypical hate for being a felon. Specific inmates will only be considered by this legislation.

Visit https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5682/text#toc-H33DDD00EE0864E959D53167D5D5545D2

But within the bill thus far is included some protections for female inmates that are pregnant. And you may ask why is this even a issue? Also how many pregnant female inmates are being abused within the Federal Prison Complex. Either way it is very concerning to say the least. But the bill changes the SOP ( standard operating procedure ) for dealing with pregnant female inmates. It states when and when not they are to be shackled before and during the pregnancy , when the child is being born and after the pregnancy to assist with postpartum. So this is a good part of the legislation but its very concerning that it took up to 2018 for BOP ( Bureau of Prisons ) to be told to treat pregnant female inmates better. Another signal how America's Prison Complex is notoriously out of control.

We will be monitoring this legislation and will report any changes. Now that the 2018 midterms are over with Washington politics can either step up and do their job or have more of the same " do for themselves , ignore the voters.