BRANDON’S JUSTICE ACTIntroduction to the Brandon’s Justice Act of 2025In Memory of Brandon MitchellBrandon Mitchell was a man, a father, a son, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, and a friend. Like every one of us, he made mistakes in his youth and naivety. He didn't come from privilege but from what society might label as "white trash." He learned the hard way, did his time, and tried to move forward. But once the system labels you, it can be nearly impossible to escape. They branded him as dangerous and a woman abuser, turning his first mistake into a lifelong hunt for an outcast.This couldn't be further from the truth. The constant replay of his past mistakes painted him as the bad guy, and the weight of that label became unbearable. A person can only withstand so much hate before they are pushed to their limits, realizing that no matter how much they want to change, the label never fades.I saw his pain and we grew close. He couldn't believe that a stranger heard and understood his words, and with a gentle smile, he found hope. Brandon was kind and gentle. I welcomed him into my home, and he was great with children. But society can be so ignorant. Like him, I grew up in similar circumstances and made mistakes that many have made. Being a man, though, is a whole different ball game. From bitterness in past relationships to fighting in court, sometimes it's easier to just plead guilty.Domestic relations aren't always as they seem in court; they go both ways. People lie when they want to hurt someone, and it's not fair. I didn't know Brandon before, but I knew his character. He was flawed, as we all are, but he wasn't a dangerous outlaw. He wanted to grow and start obeying the law. He was happy to finally be growing up and doing what he was told. He obeyed the rules and did well for so long.Having a friend who didn't judge him but helped him see he could be better made a difference. Honestly, he didn't need to change much at all. The system was just waiting for the wrong move to take him back. Prison isn't meant for people like him. A correction when he was getting loose, maybe, but prison wasn't where he needed to be. He knew, and I understood, how corruption is always at play. One simple mistake, a parole violation, and the hunt for him began. They killed him, claiming he was violent. He wasn't, and that's where the injustice lies.The corruption and failure of the system took a great man from the world, and that is not okay. The slander of a man after police killed him is a shame, and all the sheep who believe it should be ashamed. I am so sorry for the pain his loved ones are feeling. Brandon was definitely loved. We all live life and do what we can, but with this, I want to say, always reach out, even if you're not living the life they choose or the game they play. Sometimes people go where comfort feels safe.I will speak on one of the realest ones I ever came across, and that is Brandon Mitchell. He did change and did not deserve this. The system failed him, the police killed him, and his parole officer, who was supposed to help him, revoked him. News outlets slandered his name. He loved his family so much but felt like he failed them. He believed friends come and go, and some of the toxic relationships he dealt with tarnished his name. But he stood tall for as long as he could until that fateful day when a bullet took a heart of gold.And with that being said, I want to express that it was an honor to have met you, even though our time together was too short. In the months we knew each other, it felt like I had known you forever. I will always hold you as a true best friend. We all cross each other's lives for a purpose or a lesson. Cherish the time and leave out judgment and hate. A true person who had so much more to offer this world is now laid to rest. I'm so sorry for all the hurt and pain caused by a society that couldn't deal with their flaws and unfairly labeled you as the bad guy. Hugs to the heavens—just know you were a rock star and did a great job.BRANDON’S JUSTICE ACTHF118th Congress, 2nd Session**BRANDON’S JUSTICE ACT**The "Brandon’s Justice Act" aspires to transform the landscape of law enforcement by addressing and reducing police violence against felons. It acknowledges the intricate interplay of legal, societal, and ethical factors. This bill seeks to inspire a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitative approaches, emphasizing policy and practice reforms that guarantee fair and humane treatment of felons while promoting accountability and oversight within law enforcement agencies.Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.This Act may be cited as the “This Act may be cited as the “Brandon’s Justice Act of 2025””.SECTION 2. FINDINGS.The Congress finds that—1. There is a troubling pattern of police violence against felons, resulting in unjust injuries and fatalities.2. The current punitive justice system disproportionately impacts felons and often fails to offer meaningful rehabilitation.3. Policy reforms are urgently needed to ensure fair treatment of felons, enhance accountability within law enforcement, and shift towards a rehabilitative approach.SECTION 3. PURPOSE.The purpose of this Act is to urgently implement comprehensive reforms to confront and mitigate police violence against felons, enhance accountability and oversight within law enforcement agencies, and make a critical shift from a punitive to a rehabilitative approach in the justice system. This Act is vital to ensuring the fair and humane treatment of felons and to significantly reducing recidivism rates through meaningful rehabilitation opportunities. Immediate action is required to protect vulnerable communities and foster a more just and equitable system.SECTION 4. DEFINITIONS.For the purposes of this Act—(1) The term "felon" means an individual who has been convicted of a felony offense under state or federal law.(2) The term "law enforcement officer" means any officer, agent, or employee of any agency or department of the United States, a state, or a political subdivision thereof, who is authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of any violation of criminal law.(3) The term "rehabilitative approach" means policies and practices aimed at reintegrating individuals into society through education, job training, counseling, and other supportive measures to reduce recidivism and promote positive behavioral changes.(4) The term "punitive approach" means policies and practices that focus on punishment and retribution rather than rehabilitation and reintegration. SECTION 5. [MAIN PROVISION OF THE BILL].(a) Humane Treatment of Felons by Law Enforcement Law enforcement officers must treat all individuals, including felons, with dignity and respect, regardless of their past criminal history. (b) Prohibition of Unnecessary Violations Law enforcement officers are prohibited from violating the rights of felons who have demonstrated positive behavioral changes and are actively reintegrating into society. Minor infractions should be addressed with appropriate discretion and without undue punitive measures. (c) Accountability and Oversight 1. Establish an independent oversight committee to review cases involving police violence against felons. 2. Implement mandatory training for law enforcement officers on de-escalation techniques and rehabilitative justice. 3. Require law enforcement agencies to report all incidents of police violence against felons to the oversight committee.(d) Exceptions Exceptions to these provisions may be made in cases where the felon poses an immediate threat to public safety, but such cases must be thoroughly documented and reviewed by the oversight committee.(e) Support Allocate funding for programs that support the rehabilitation and reintegration of felons, including education, job training, and counselingSECTION 6. FUNDING.There are authorized to be appropriated $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2030 to carry out this Act.SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTATION.(a) The Department of Justice shall be responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of this Act.(b) The Department of Justice shall promulgate regulations necessary to carry out this Act within 180 days after the enactment of this.SECTION 8. REPORTING.(a) The Department of Justice shall submit an annual report to Congress on the implementation **BRANDON’S JUSTICE ACT OF 2025****HF ________** **118th Congress, 2nd Session****A BILL** To address police violence against individuals with felony convictions and to promote rehabilitation over punishment, thereby ensuring fair treatment and accountability within law enforcement agencies.**Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,****SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.** This Act may be cited as the “Brandon’s Justice Act of 2025.”**SECTION 2. FINDINGS.** The Congress finds that—1. There is a troubling pattern of police violence against felons, resulting in unjust injuries and fatalities.2. The current punitive justice system disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty, violence, and recidivism.3. Effective rehabilitation programs and humane treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of reoffending.4. Law enforcement agencies require stringent accountability measures to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their past, are treated justly and with respect.5. Public awareness and education regarding the complexities of past mistakes and the potential for change are crucial in reducing stigma against individuals with felony records.**SECTION 3. PURPOSE.** The purpose of this Act is to: (a) Implement policy reforms aimed at reducing police violence against individuals with felony convictions. (b) Encourage law enforcement agencies to adopt rehabilitative practices that support the reintegration of felons into society. (c) Establish oversight and accountability mechanisms to monitor law enforcement actions and protect the rights of individuals with felony records.**SECTION 4. PROVISIONS FOR POLICE REFORM.**(a) **REQUIRED TRAINING PROGRAMS** Law enforcement agencies shall implement comprehensive training programs focused on: (1) De-escalation techniques during encounters with individuals who have felony convictions. (2) Recognizing and addressing implicit biases against individuals who have faced felony charges. (3) Engagement strategies that promote understanding and communication rather than conflict.(b) **DEVELOPMENT OF POLICIES** (i) Each law enforcement agency shall develop clear policies that prioritize the fair and humane treatment of individuals with felony convictions. (ii) Agencies must regularly review and update these policies to ensure compliance with best practices.**SECTION 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS.**(a) **INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT BOARD** An independent board shall be established to oversee the actions of law enforcement agencies, specifically focusing on encounters involving felons. This board shall: (1) Review cases of police-involved incidents with individuals holding felony records. (2) Recommend policy adjustments based on incident reviews and community feedback.(b) **REPORTING REQUIREMENTS** Law enforcement agencies must compile and report data on incidents involving felons, including outcomes of these encounters. This data will contribute to transparency and accountability efforts.**SECTION 6. REHABILITATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES.**(a) **REHABILITATIVE PROGRAMS** (1) The Department of Justice, in collaboration with local and state agencies, shall expand access to rehabilitative programs aimed at reducing recidivism among felons. (2) Programs shall include mental health support, job training, and educational opportunities.(b) **COMMUNITY OUTREACH** (1) Initiatives shall be established to engage communities in discussions about the importance of supporting individuals who have been incarcerated. (2) Support groups and educational resources shall be made available to promote understanding and reduce stigma.**SECTION 7. FUNDING.** The provisions of this Act shall be funded through allocations from the federal budget, grants, and partnerships with non-profit organizations dedicated to criminal justice reform.**SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.** This Act shall take effect 180 days after its enactment.---This draft offers a comprehensive approach toward legislative reform centered on police accountability and the humane treatment of individuals with felony convictions. Let me know if you need any modifications or additional sections!and effectiveness of this Act.(b) The report shall include: 1. Data on incidents of police violence against felons and the outcomes of those cases. 2. Analysis of the effectiveness of rehabilitative programs funded by this Act. 3. Recommendations for additional measures to further reduce police violence and support felons' reintegration into society. 4. Feedback from felons who have participated in the rehabilitative programs.SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE.This Act shall take effect on the date of itsSECTION 10. SUNSET PROVISION.This Act shall cease to be in effect on December 31, 2030, unless reauthorized by Congress.SECTION 11. SEVERABILITY.If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.SECTION 12. OTHER PROVISIONS.(a) Prohibition of Use of Deadly Force on Unarmed Individuals: Law enforcement officers are prohibited from using deadly force against unarmed individuals, except in cases where there is an immediate and credible threat to life.(b) Enhanced Training Requirements: 1. Law enforcement officers shall undergo mandatory training on de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and implicit bias to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary use of force. 2. Regular and ongoing training sessions shall be conducted to ensure that officers are up-todate with the latest best practices in law enforcement.(c) Stricter Standards for Parole Revocation: 1. Parole officers shall adopt stricter standards and procedures before revoking parole, ensuring that revocation is only used as a last resort and not for minor infractions. 2. Parole officers shall provide documented evidence of serious violations before initiating revocation proceedings. 3. Support services shall be made available to parolees to help them comply with parole conditions and reduce the risk of revocation.(d) Review and Oversight: An independent oversight committee shall be established to review all cases of deadly force used by law enforcement officers and all parole revocation decisions to ensure compliance with these provisions