Four Federal Criminal Justice Reform Bills in Congress (March 2017)

Update (October 2026): This is a snapshot from March 2017. None of the four bills below became law as written. The biggest federal reform since then is the First Step Act of 2018. Prison phone rates were later addressed by the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act, signed January 5, 2023. It requires the FCC to make sure prison phone and video call rates are "just and reasonable."

Here is where four federal reform bills stood in March 2017, with my take on each one at the time.

1. National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2017 (H.R. 1607 and S. 573)

This bill would create a national commission to study the criminal justice system and recommend changes. Both the House and Senate versions had support from both parties. The bill's text says:

"developments over the intervening 50 years require once again that Federal, State, tribal, and local governments, law enforcement agencies, including rank and file officers, civil rights organizations, community-based organization leaders, civic organizations, religious institutions, business groups, and individual citizens come together to review evidence and consider how to improve the criminal justice system."

Brandon's take: Former Senator Jim Webb pushed a similar bill years ago, and it almost became law. I think this one has a good chance of passing too. But it would not change any laws by itself. It is just another chance to "study" the problems and make recommendations.

We have had enough talk. We know what the problems are, and we simply need to fix them. So while I support the general idea, I would rather Congress focus on real criminal justice reform.

2. H.R. 1184: Family Telephone Connection Protection Act of 2017

Introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), this bill would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to set rules for prison and jail phone and video call rates. The goal was to lower what families pay to stay in touch.

Brandon's take: A good goal. But with only two co-sponsors, it had almost no chance of moving forward in the Republican-controlled House at the time.

3. H.R. 64: Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2017

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) introduced this bill in each new session of Congress since 2003, according to the original post. It would let federal prisoners age 45 and older be released after serving half of their sentence.

Brandon's take: A good idea, but not going anywhere.

4. H.R. 956: Effective Assistance of Counsel in the Digital Era Act

This bill would stop the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) from reading emails between prisoners and their lawyers. Under BOP policy, prisoners who use the prison email system must accept that all their emails can be monitored, including emails to their lawyers.

Brandon's take: This is badly needed and should not be controversial. It may have a chance if the House Judiciary Committee gives it a hearing.

2026 note: Versions of this bill have been reintroduced in later Congresses, but as of this update it has not become law. Until that changes, treat every TRULINCS email (the BOP's prison email system) and every prison phone call as monitored. Don't discuss the details of a case on them. Ask the lawyer how to set up a legal call or send legal mail instead.

Facing a federal sentence? Book a consultation to talk it through with Brandon Sample.