© 2024 WUKY
background_fid.jpg
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Criminal Justice Reform Is Poised For A Senate Vote. But What Will The Final Bill Look Like?

AP Photo/Bruce Schreiner
Sen. Rand Paul speaks with people at the Louisville Urban League on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, after making another push for a federal criminal justice bill, in Louisville, Ky.

One of Kentucky's most prominent voices for criminal justice reform is applauding news that the GOP-controlled Senate will take up the issue. But concessions to reluctant conservatives will likely water down reforms championed by the Bowling Green lawmaker.

A staunch advocate for the cause, Senator Rand Paul has been stepping up pressure on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow a vote, arguing the bill is primed for bipartisan success.

"I think we'll get close to 80 votes on it," the Republican predicts. 

Paul told WUKY Tuesday the bill, known as the First Step Act, falls short in some areas he's addressed in a number of other legislation, including civil asset forfeiture reform and expungement for non-violent felons.

"A lot of our bills go much farther than this bill goes, but I think this bill is... the first step in criminal justice reform," the libertarian-leaning lawmaker said. "So it's a big day that we've heard that Senate leadership is going to allow a vote." 

In its current form, the measure boosts rehabilitation efforts and gives judges greater say in sentencing nonviolent offenders. Paul reports the act also bans solitary confinement, locates prisoners closer to their families, and reduces mandatory sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.

Yet Republicans have been hesitant to move on criminal justice reform without backing from their more conservative members. That’s led to a number of proposed changes – among them an amendment by Texas Senator Ted Cruz that would expand the list of violent offenders who would not be eligible for early release.

Pressed on why McConnell appeared to switch gears now, Paul said he’s simply happy the bill is slated for a vote.

"I think events and public calls for the vote probably helped, but I think in the end I'm not going to quibble with how it came about," the senator answered. 

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the First Step Act before the end of the year.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.