Playbook for Change? States Reconsider Mandatory Sentences

Playbook for Change? States Reconsider Mandatory Sentences This report from the Vera Institute of Justice summarizes state-level mandatory sentencing reforms since 2000, discusses their impact, and offers recommendations to jurisdictions considering similar efforts. Since 2000, at least 29 states have taken steps to roll back mandatory sentences with 32 bills passed in the last 5 years. Most of this legislation has focused on adjusting penalties for nonviolent drug offenses. To view this report, click here.