JACKSON, MS – FWD.us Mississippi State Director Alesha Judkins issued the following statement after Governor Reeves signed into law SB 2448, an evidence-based policy that will continue the state’s successful parole law:

“We applaud Sen. Juan Barnett, Rep. Kevin Horan, Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, Speaker Jason White, Governor Reeves, and Mississippi’s elected leaders for continuing the state’s successful parole law which passed with overwhelming, bipartisan support in both chambers. Parole is a data-driven strategy that can help safely reduce the state’s prison population while maintaining public safety. Since Mississippi’s parole law went into effect in 2021, 98% of people made newly eligible for parole did not return to prison on a new sentence within the first 24 months following release. Parole has proven time and time again to be a critical tool for safely reuniting people with their families, strengthening the state’s workforce, and reducing recidivism.

“The continuation of parole shows Mississippi’s elected leaders are prioritizing policies that advance effective public safety solutions and listening to the vast majority of Mississippi voters who support allowing people to earn their way home through the parole process. We look forward to the full and swift implementation of this legislation so it can improve public safety in our communities, strengthen our state’s workforce, and benefit all Mississippians.”