Entering 2025, various states are implementing fresh laws to address crime reduction and criminal justice policy. However, not all legislation shares the same perspective. The pandemic led to a surge in violent crime, attributed by experts to the disruptions in daily life. While national crime rates are difficult to pinpoint, multiple sources suggest a return to levels seen before the pandemic.
Over the past two years, lawmakers from across the political spectrum have pushed through “tough-on-crime” measures, with some laws even approved directly by voters. This marks a shift from a period of criminal justice reform that began when U.S. prison populations peaked globally in 2007. The trend continues with new laws set to take effect in January, introducing stricter sentencing guidelines despite the consensus that harsher punishment does not necessarily deter crime. Simultaneously, other new laws aim to improve outcomes for individuals reintegrating into society post-incarceration.
Adam Gelb, the CEO of the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan nonprofit, shared insights with USA TODAY, highlighting the complex landscape where harsher approaches coexist with efforts to support successful reentry for former inmates.
Here are some criminal justice laws taking effect on January 1 across the U.S.:
– Violent crime rates in American cities have largely reverted to pre-pandemic levels, as indicated in a recent report.
– California is implementing a new law, Proposition 36, allowing harsher penalties for “smash-and-grab” activities.
– Concerns have arisen among retailers nationwide regarding inventory losses due to organized crime, prompting legislative responses.
– Assembly Bill 1960 in California mandates enhanced sentencing for property offenses exceeding $50,000.
– Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment to stringent yet intelligent crime policies, rejecting outdated mass incarceration practices.
– Proposition 36, passed by California voters in November 2024, enforces stricter penalties for repeat theft and fentanyl-related crimes.
– Colorado residents also approved a measure in the same election, extending the time convicts must serve before being eligible for parole.
New laws taking effect in 2025 bring changes to criminal justice systems in various states. In Illinois, measures include providing education for law enforcement officers on interacting with individuals with autism, redefining terminology to focus on “justice-impacted individuals,” and simplifying the expungement process for juveniles. Missouri is expanding the opportunities for criminal expungement, while New Hampshire is implementing bail reform to hold suspects of certain offenses longer before arraignment. Additionally, a Washington law will increase penalties for negligent driving resulting in fatalities, and Alabama has introduced stricter sentencing for human trafficking involving minors. Looking ahead, there is anticipation for more legislative efforts targeting issues such as retail theft, juvenile violence, and fentanyl. Meanwhile, with the upcoming change in administrations, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed a focus on tough-on-crime policies.
