Petition for the Implementation of the "Second Look Act" for Inmates in the State of Kansas: A Means to Combat Mass Incarceration through Sentence Reductions

New Jersey U.S. Senator Corey Booker has proposed Second Look legislation in Congress, allowing incarcerated people to apply for a sentencing hearing after serving over (10) years or half of their sentence (if their sentence is over a decade). The "Second Look Bill" is gaining momentum nationally, with legislation already passed in (4) states—Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Oregon, and the District of Columbia—and being proposed in (25) other states. I do not lend my support lightly, and I am not alone in my strong support of this cause. The American Bar Association, through its Resolution 502, urges all federal, state, local, and tribal territories to implement the Second Look Act to deal with mass incarceration. The Model Penal Code has also approved this Act. Other agencies like F.A.M.M. (Families Against Mandatory Minimums), the Sentencing Project, and many others believe that the time is now time to act nationally.

Kansas inmates languish in prisons for decades, regardless of how they have changed and grown. Naturally, people grow out of criminal behavior as they mature, unfortunately without the opportunity to demonstrate rehabilitative qualities. We urge you that the focus of the question should be whether continued incarceration is necessary to protect the public NOW, at this point in time, since people grow and change.

Recidivism sharply drops as people age—the relationship between age and crime is one of the most interrelated within the field of criminology. Understanding that crime increases throughout adolescence and then peaks at age (17), subsequently decreasing over the life course moving forward. This trend has withstood stringent testing and examination across periods and maintains consistent results regardless of race, ethnicity, educational level, or income. People convicted of violent offenses, even including homicide offenses, who are older at release have lower overall recidivism rates relative to other released offenders.

I welcome this "Second Look Act" initiative, emphasizing that mass incarceration is not the solution statically, but rather equity, redemption, and forgiveness embody higher humanitarian traits of a civilized society. It is crucial to recognize that there is a thin line between justice administered and vengeance doled out. Vengeance perpetuates a cycle of punishment without sufficient emphasis on the rehabilitation and integration of individuals back into our society. My support is for restoring human dignity, recognizing the inherent worth of every individual. The "Second Look Act" provides an opportunity to restore just that.

The Second Look Act for KANSAS would focus on re-sentencing based on who they are today and how they have molded themselves to be a better version of their former selves. Qualifications will include;

• If individuals committed their crime before the age of (25), they should have the opportunity for a re-sentencing hearing after serving (10) years.
• If individuals committed their crime after the age of (25), they should have the opportunity for a re-sentencing hearing after serving (15) years.
• If they were a juvenile and have served over (10) years.
• If they are over the age of 50 and have already served over (10) years.
• If laws have changed that would have affected their sentence, but not made retroactive.
• If you are a military veteran who served this country and P.T.S.D. was never factored into your sentence and have served over (10) years.
• If you have completed all rehabilitative programs assigned to you, and have done over (10) years.

The presumption of resentencing should be in favor, believing the spirit of a second chance starts with a second look.
By lending our voices to this cause, we support establishing a fair and progressive criminal justice system that believes in second chances.

To the esteemed legislators, senators, mayors, judges, lawyers, prison review boards, and Department of Corrections,
The time for action is now. As public servants entrusted with the power to effect change, we call upon you to embrace the transformative potential of the Kansas Second Look Act. Your unwavering support can turn the tide against mass incarceration, allowing the seeds of redemption and second chances to blossom within our criminal justice system. The lives of countless individuals, their families, and our communities are at stake.

With your decisive leadership, you hold the key to unlocking a brighter future—one where justice is measured not only by punishment but also by the capacity for growth, rehabilitation, and forgiveness. As advocates for a fair and humane society, we urge you to seize this opportunity to make an indelible impact on the lives of those who have shown remorse, growth, and a commitment to change.

By enacting the Kansas Second Look Act, you have the power to dismantle the cycles of vengeance and foster a system that embraces hope and rehabilitation. Your support for this measure reflects a commitment to a more just and compassionate society- One that values the potential for transformation within every individual.

In your hands lies the potential to save lives, reunite families, and restore hope. Embrace this moment to champion the cause of criminal justice reform and leave an indelible legacy of progress.

Together, let us rise to the occasion and transform our state's criminal justice system into one that upholds the values of equity, redemption, and second chances. The time for action is now. We beseech you to stand with us in support of the Kansas Second Look Act and set a precedent that will reshape the future of mass incarceration.