Senator Hassan Votes to Approve Bipartisan “First Step Act” to Reform Criminal Justice System

WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan today voted on the Senate floor to approve the bipartisan First Step Act, which would make much-needed reforms to the nation’s criminal justice system, including expanding treatment options for prisoners struggling with substance use disorders and increasing protections for pregnant prisoners.

“Bipartisan criminal justice reform will help make the system fairer and more effectively reduce crime, which is why this commonsense bill is supported by everyone from 87 Senators, to President Trump, the ACLU, criminal prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. Members of law enforcement in New Hampshire and across the country have long been clear that we cannot arrest our way out of the opioid crisis, and this bill takes steps to expand treatment options for those struggling with substance use disorders. Additionally, this bill will help improve conditions for women, especially pregnant women, in the justice system. I’m grateful in particular for the leadership of Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin who have worked across party lines for years to build support for these commonsense reforms that will help make our criminal justice system more fair and reduce the likelihood that individuals will reoffend.”   

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