Criminal Justice Reform – Kenyan R. McDuffie

09 Jun 2020

Councilmember McDuffie’s Use of Force Provision Passed as Part of Emergency Justice and Police Reform Legislation

Press ReleaseBlackLivesMatter, Criminal Justice Reform, Legislation, NEAR Act, Public Safety

McDuffie's Use of Force Provision Passed as Part of Emergency Justice and Police Reform Legislation Washington, D.C. -- Today, the Council of the District of Columbia unanimously passed the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 [B23-0774], which includes use of force reforms drafted by Councilmember McDuffie. The goal of the measure is to reduce and effectively abolish instances of unlawful use of force by defining specific factors that must be considered when determining whether an exercise of force or deadly force is reasonable. Additional measures included in the legislation passed today include: Prohibits the use of neck restraints…

10 Jul 2019

By cmmcduffie

McDuffie Introduces Bill to Seal the Records of Individuals with Nonviolent Drug Offenses

Press ReleaseCivil Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, Introductions, Legislation, Public Safety, Returning Citizens

Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Introduces Bill to Seal the Records of Individuals with Nonviolent Drug Offenses The proposed legislation will expand the ability for ex-offenders to have their records sealed after a period of 3 years for qualifying misdemeanors convictions and 7 years for qualifying felony convictions Washington, D.C. -- Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, introduced the District of Columbia Clean Slate Amendment Act of 2019 [B23-0401]. The proposed legislation will: Amend the definition of the “completion of sentence” to clarify that failure to pay fines and fees does not count towards…

05 Feb 2019

By cmmcduffie

McDuffie Introduces Legislation to Create a State-of-the-Art Research Center to Address Root Causes of Firearm Violence in the District

Press ReleaseCriminal Justice Reform, gun violence prevention, Introductions, Legislation, Public Health, Public Safety

McDuffie Introduces Legislation to Create a State-of-the-Art Research Center to Address Root Causes of Firearm Violence in the District The "Center for Firearm Violence Prevention Research Establishment Act of 2019" would establish the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Research (Center) in the District of Columbia. The Center would address the nature and impacts of firearm violence on individuals and communities. The Center, modeled after the successful California-based Firearm Violence Research Center, would be housed at an academic research institution in the District and would be required to produce a report every three years on grants made, pending grants, program…

05 Jun 2018

By cmmcduffie

McDuffie Introduces Bills to Invest in Communities and Address Root Causes of Crime

Press ReleaseCriminal Justice Reform, Employment, Introductions, NEAR Act, Press Release, Racial Equity

Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Introduces Bills to: Create a new D.C. Center for Firearm Violence Prevention Research Create a new H.O.P.E. Fund to Inject Resources into Targeted Communities Direct Currency and Property Received by Police to Fund Violence Prevention and Intervention Initiatives Washington, DC – Today, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, introduced three pieces of legislation in response to recent incidents of gun violence in the District of Columbia. The bills underscore Councilmember McDuffie’s call for a heightened sense of urgency and that the District of Columbia must…

07 Apr 2017

By cmmcduffie

PRESS RELEASE: McDuffie’s Landmark Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Reform Becomes Law As Congressional Review Period Passes

Media AdvisoryCriminal Justice Reform, Judiciary Committee, Juvenile Justice, Press Release, Public Safety

Among its many provisions, this new law ends the use of solitary confinement on children; restores judicial discretion for sentencing juveniles; and ensures children age-appropriate confinement Washington, DC – Earlier this week, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie’s Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016 became official law. Introduced in April 2016 by Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, then-Chairperson of the Committee on the Judiciary, and six of his colleagues, and passed by the full council – unanimously – in October, the law makes landmark reforms to the District of Columbia’s juvenile justice system. “This law makes D.C. safer,” McDuffie said “by changing…

Tag: Criminal Justice Reform