S. 1458 – Reverse Mass Incarceration Act of 2017

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 4:41 PM UTC

The Reverse Mass Incarceration Act of 2017 creates a federal grant program that rewards states for lowering their prison populations while keeping crime rates stable. States that can show a 7% or greater drop in incarcerated individuals over the previous three years, without a crime‑rate increase of more than 3%, may apply for funding. The grants must be used for evidence‑based initiatives aimed at further reducing crime and incarceration, and the program is funded at $2 billion per year for ten fiscal years.

Key Provisions

The Attorney General may award grants to states that meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility requires a minimum 7% reduction in the state’s incarcerated population over the three years before applying, and a crime‑rate increase of no more than 3% in the same period.
States must submit an application detailing a methodology based on population size and other factors.
Grant money must be spent on evidence‑based programs designed to lower crime rates and incarceration levels.
The program is authorized $2 billion annually from fiscal year 2018 through 2027.

Legislative Activity

Stay on top of the latest movement without scrolling through every action

1 earlier action

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

June 28, 2017

View full timeline

SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

June 28, 2017

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

June 28, 2017

Bill Text

Latest available legislative text

Reading Mode

Raw Text PDF XML

Introduced in SenateIssued June 28, 2017

II

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 1458

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 28, 2017

Mr. Booker (for himself and Mr. Blumenthal) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To establish a grant program to incentivize States to reduce prison populations, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Reverse Mass Incarceration Act of 2017.

2.

Grant program

(a)

In general

Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Street Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

MM

State prison population reduction grant program

3031.

Grant program

(a)

In general

The Attorney General may make grants to States to assist States in reducing crime rates and incarcerations.

(b)

Eligibility

A State shall be eligible to receive a grant under this section if the State demonstrates that, during the 3-year period preceding the application for a grant under this section—

(1)

the total number of individuals incarcerated in correctional or detention facilities in the State was reduced by not less than 7 percent; and

(2)

the rate of crime within the State did not increase by more than 3 percent.

(c)

Application

An eligible State seeking a grant under this section shall submit to the Attorney General an application in such form and manner and at such time as the Attorney General requires, which shall include a clear methodology based on population size and other factors.

(d)

Use of grant funds

A grant awarded under this section shall be used by a State to implement evidence-based programs designed to reduce crime rates and incarcerations.

.

(b)

Authorization of appropriations

Section 1001(a) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3793(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(28)

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part MM $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2027.

.