Corrections_Today_Spring_2025_Vol.87_No.1

WASHINGTON WATCH

The 119 th Congress has aligned with these priorities, passing the Laken Riley Act. This legislation, which cleared both chambers, re quires the Department of Homeland Security to detain migrants who have entered the U.S. unlawfully if they are arrested for specific crimes, including theft and assaults on law enforcement officers. In addition, Speaker Johnson is prioritizing a large legislative pack age focused on immigration and border provisions, with the goal of passing the package through the budget reconciliation process. This allows Congress to approve budget related measures with a simple majority vote. ACA’s focus areas Counter-drone authorities ACA is prioritizing legislation to equip correctional agencies with the necessary tools to address the growing threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Counter-UAS legislation has bi partisan support in both chambers. Rep. Mark Green (R-TN), Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, has emphasized that passing a bill granting state and lo cal authorities the ability to detect and neutralize drones is a top pri ority for this Congress. Thanks to ACA’s efforts in 2024, state correctional facilities are now included in these critical security discussions. Our goal is to enable correctional agencies to be eligible for the very limited number of pilot projects authorized under federal legislation.

To build momentum, ACA is actively engaging with key Congres sional offices and will be hosting a Capitol Hill briefing in early 2025 to underscore the urgent need to safe guard correctional institutions from this emerging threat. ACA is prioritizing legislation to equip correctional agencies with the necessary tools to address the growing threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Reentry The Second Chance Reauthoriza tion Act continues to hold strong support and came close to passing in the last Congress. ACA is mak ing this legislation a top priority. The bill would reauthorize crucial grant programs for reentry services, expand housing assistance for those transitioning from incarceration and enhance addiction treatment for in dividuals struggling with substance use disorders. Criminal Justice Reform ACA remains committed to re ducing recidivism through enhanced programming and investing in facil ity infrastructure improvements. ACA is also engaged in discussions with policymakers on new methods for evaluating program effectiveness. These initiatives include expanding

desistance programming and en hancing reentry services. Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy The Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy creates significant barri ers to healthcare for incarcerated individuals, disrupting access to essential services like mental health treatment, substance use care and chronic disease management. To address this, ACA is advocating for two bipartisan pieces of legislation: the Due Process Continuity of Care Act , which allows pre-trial detainees to receive Medicaid benefits at the state’s discretion, and the Reentry Act , which enables Medicaid cover age during the 30-day pre-release period. These efforts would ensure continuity of care for individuals during their time in custody and as they transition back into society. By maintaining healthcare access, these bills aim to reduce health dispari ties, improve outcomes and support successful reentry by preventing untreated conditions that could lead to recidivism. Looking ahead Through bipartisan engagement with both chambers of Congress, ACA continues to advocate for policies that enhance correctional operations and safety while promot ing public safety and successful reentry outcomes. By maintaining active engagement in legislative discussions and policy development, ACA ensures that the corrections community’s needs and perspectives are effectively represented in nation al policy decisions. CT

Spring 2025 | Corrections Today

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