The Texas Smart-on-Crime Coalition’s newest report, “Smart Sentencing: The Right Strategy for Addressing Substance Use in Texas,” highlights the coalition’s recommendations to address the critical issues that come with incarcerating individuals for their drug addiction. Research shows that incarceration is less effective and more costly than community supervision and treatment for low-level drug offenses. The […]
“The current bail system is corrupt and broken. A person’s wealth should never decide their freedom, but that’s exactly what’s happening in Texas.”
Joint Press Release: Texas Smart-On-Crime Coalition; ACLU of Texas; Goodwill Central Texas; Prison Fellowship Ministries; Texas Association of Business; Christian Life Commission; Texas Criminal Justice Coalition; Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Smart-On-Crime Coalition Praises Governor Abbott’s Support of Marijuana Law Reform FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 2018 CONTACT: Bill Hammond, Texas Smart-On-Crime Coalition, bill@billhammondandassociates.com AUSTIN […]
A diverse group of more than 100 Texas legislators, community leaders, addiction experts, entertainers, inspirational speakers, and people impacted by the justice system convened on Friday, March 10, at the State Capitol to raise awareness for substance use disorder and support for treatment and rehabilitative opportunities as an alternative to incarceration in Texas.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2, 2017 Local Advocates Show Support For “Raise The Age” Initiative Campaign Urges Raising the Age of Juvenile Jurisdiction from 17 to 18 AUSTIN, TX (February 2, 2017) – A diverse group of more than 200 local legislators, advocates, students, and faith leaders convened this week to learn more about the […]
Statement from Representative Senfronia Thompson on the passage on HB 1510 (84R) “Housing stability has been identified as one of the most critical factors in preventing recidivism and parole violations. Not only should ex-offenders have the ability to safely transition to our communities, but landlords must not fear being sued because they are providing a […]
Smart-On-Crime Agenda Scores Important Victories with the 84th Legislature Legislators Respond to the Call for a Right-Sized Criminal Justice System That Improves Reentry Outcomes and Does Not Overcriminalize Children AUSTIN, TX—The Texas Smart-On-Crime Coalition – whose Executive Committee is comprised of the Texas Association of Business, Goodwill Central Texas, the American Civil Liberties Union of […]
[AUSTIN, TX]— Representative Gene Wu (Houston) expressed disappointment this afternoon that a provision which would have raised the age at which youth are considered adults in Texas’ criminal justice system from 17 to 18 was stripped from a juvenile justice reform bill. A bi-partisan coalition of policy advocates joined Wu and other legislators to affirm […]
(Austin / San Antonio / statewide) Representative Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) released the following statement after the press conference held at the Capitol this morning: “It is truly fantastic to see the creation of the Smart on Crime Coalition between the Texas Association of Business, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, American […]
For Immediate Release, September 17, 2014 Contact: Bill Hammond. (512) 637-7701 Getting Smart on Crime New coalition launches legislative effort to bring about major juvenile and criminal justice reform in Texas AUSTIN, TX— A broad-based and diverse coalition of groups is coming together to support criminal justice reforms that will make the system more just […]