H.R.2656 – Public Safety Enhancement Act of 2013

Similar in many ways to S. 1675, the Public Safety Enhancement Act of 2013 was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations in September 2013. Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), here is a summary of the bill:

hr2656

  • Research and development of a post-sentencing risks and needs assessment system for the prison population, as well as tools and additional biennial studies and resulting revisions to provide detailed analysis of methods and data, ensuring best practices are maintained throughout the system.
  • Creation and distribution of information regarding recommended recidivism reduction programs and productive activities for offenders as determined by each individual’s risk level and specific needs.
  • Periodic reassessments of offender’s risks and needs, as well as reassignment when necessary.
  • Formation of an incentive-based rewards system for the recidivism reduction program participants, with emphasis on maintaining strict guidelines to discourage abuse.
  • Under this bill, the Attorney General is responsible for:
    • Developing training programs for officials and prison staff
    • Overseeing usage of the system
    • Conducting periodic reviews of the effectiveness of current programs
    • Evaluation, addition and/or expansion of new and existing recidivism reduction programs
    • Maintaining the legislation’s focus on individual offenders
    • Creating policies to assist wardens in partnering with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and private entities who provide services to the prison population.

Cosponsors of H.R. 2656