Democratic presidential hopefuls could kill prison reform

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After eight years of President Barack Obama’s unfulfilled promises, President Trump may ultimately sign comprehensive criminal justice reform into law. That is, if Democratic 2020 hopefuls don’t stop him.

The FIRST STEP Act, passed by the House in May, reforms prison policies to reduce recidivism, enhance the self-sufficiency of prisoners following their release, and ultimately reduce the incarcerated population. In addition to the bill’s core rehabilitation and credits program — which would allow willing prisoners to participate in vocational and rehabilitative programs to either better prepare for post-prison life or even shorten their sentences, the bill also makes obvious reforms such as abolishing the use of handcuffs on pregnant inmates.

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