Criminal justice reform has been a key priority for President Donald Trump, and there is a prime opportunity to enact changes that emphasize rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and provide second chances for those willing to improve their lives.
While states such as Virginia have made strides, Florida’s successful implementation of reform measures offers a powerful example of how policies can incentivize personal growth and reintegration into society while also promoting public safety.
Florida’s version of criminal justice reform is centered on a transformative approach, focusing on giving people on supervision a real chance to earn their way out of the system. Gov. Ron DeSantis, supported by key figures such as now-U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, signed a reform bill that mirrors this idea: individuals on supervision can reduce their term of supervision in the community by engaging in rehabilitative actions such as educational programs, job training, mental health treatment, and securing stable housing. These policies not only reward proactive efforts but also foster a system of personal accountability, giving individuals a clearer path to rebuilding their lives.
This approach works because it targets rehabilitation, offering those who have served their time the opportunity to prove they have changed while still maintaining accountability. In Florida, the ability to earn probation credits is a clear motivator, offering individuals an incentive to demonstrate their commitment to self-improvement. This system shows that the state isn’t simply letting people off the hook but is instead offering them the tools to be successful and reintegrate into the community.
Florida’s success with this model has proven its effectiveness. By focusing on rehabilitation over punitive measures, the state has reduced its caseloads, cut costs, and created a more efficient system that helps people reintegrate rather than cycling through incarceration and supervision. Additionally, the reform helps keep dangerous offenders off the streets by prioritizing resources for those who pose a greater risk to society. For individuals who show genuine progress, this system allows them the opportunity to move beyond their past mistakes and return to productive, law-abiding lives.
Moreover, Florida’s reforms have garnered broad support across political lines, proving that criminal justice reform doesn’t need to be a partisan issue. There is increasing recognition, both from Republicans and Democrats, that costly and ineffective prolonged supervision is not the solution. By focusing on reducing recidivism through rehabilitative measures, Florida has shown that justice and personal growth can coexist—ultimately benefiting taxpayers, communities, and individuals who are seeking a fresh start.
Virginia, under Gov. Glenn Youngkin, has also embraced a forward-thinking approach to criminal justice reform. Youngkin’s “Stand Tall, Stay Strong, Succeed Together” Reentry Initiative mirrors Florida’s emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration. The executive order strengthens Virginia’s commitment to supporting successful reentry for individuals who have been involved in the criminal justice system. The initiative focuses on collaboration between government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local communities to provide the tools and resources necessary for successful reintegration, such as education, job training, and mental health services.
Youngkin’s initiative aligns with Florida’s model by prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment and ensuring individuals who have served their time are provided the support they need to successfully reenter society. Like Florida’s reform efforts, Virginia’s approach is designed to reduce recidivism and help individuals avoid returning to the criminal justice system.
Additionally, proposed legislation in Virginia, namely House Bill 2252 and Senate Bill 936, will bring the state’s probation system in line with Youngkin’s executive order but also with Florida’s successful model. These bills would allow individuals on supervision in Virginia to reduce their terms based on participation in rehabilitation programs, much like the system in Florida that incentivizes positive actions such as job training and educational involvement. This approach is designed to encourage self-improvement while reducing the burden on probation officers and the state’s resources. By adopting these reforms, Virginia can mirror the success Florida has seen, making the justice system more efficient, cost-effective, and focused on rehabilitation rather than prolonged supervision.
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The success of Florida’s reforms, combined with Virginia’s proactive steps under the executive order and proposed legislation such as HB 2252 and SB 936, serves as a model for other states. Both states have demonstrated that criminal justice reform doesn’t have to be an either/or between punishment and rehabilitation. Instead, they have shown that a smart, compassionate approach can help reduce crime, lower costs, and create safer communities while offering individuals a chance to rebuild their lives.
For Trump and lawmakers in Congress, Florida’s success offers a blueprint for how reform can work, advancing a system that offers not just punishment but a real opportunity for redemption. By looking to Florida and Virginia as examples, lawmakers can enact reforms that align with the president’s agenda while making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who are working to turn things around.
Wren Williams is a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.
