Sarah Anderson, Associate Director of Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties at the R Street Institute, testified before the Georgia House Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil in support of House Bill 984, known as the “Georgia Second Look Act.” The bill would allow individuals who have served at least 20 years in prison to petition for a sentence reduction. This process would include defined criteria, procedural safeguards, and leave the final decision to judicial discretion.
Anderson stated, “Second look policies like this one are grounded in a simple but powerful proposition: people are capable of change and rehabilitation, and our justice system should allow for and encourage that possibility where appropriate.” She referenced research showing that as people age, their likelihood of reoffending decreases significantly. Studies indicate that cognitive and emotional development over time reduces recidivism among older individuals.
The proposed legislation would permit courts to consider factors such as age, maturity, rehabilitation efforts, current risk assessments, community ties, victim impact statements, disciplinary records, and any evidence related to innocence or ineffective assistance of counsel when reviewing petitions. Anderson clarified that “HB 894 does not guarantee release for any individual. It creates a meaningful, structured opportunity for review upon petition, but leaves final decision-making authority with the sentencing court.” The bill also requires notice to victims and prosecutors and ensures access to counsel for those unable to afford it.
From a public safety perspective, supporters argue that recidivism rates decline with age. Individuals who have spent decades incarcerated and shown compliance are statistically less likely to pose future risks than they were when younger. Anderson emphasized this point: “HB 894 recognizes this reality while preserving judicial discretion to deny release where risk remains.”
The fiscal impact was also addressed. According to data from USA Facts (https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-do-states-spend-on-prisons), Georgia spends nearly $40,000 per incarcerated person annually. Costs rise as prisoners age due to increased healthcare needs (https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2018/02/20/aging-prison-populations-drive-up-costs). Allowing courts to reconsider sentences after 20 years could help focus resources on those who remain public safety risks rather than on aging inmates whose incarceration provides limited benefit.
Reducing prison overcrowding is another potential effect of HB 984. Research by Sarah Anderson noted emergency-level staffing shortages in Georgia prisons (https://www.rstreet.org/commentary/georgias-criminal-justice-crossroads-post-conviction-issues-in-the-peach-state/). Other experts suggest that reducing overcrowding can alleviate burdens on correctional staff (https://www.vera.org/news/corrections-staffing-shortages-offer-chance-to-rethink-prison).
Anderson concluded her testimony by saying the bill “balances accountability with redemption, victims’ rights with procedural fairness, and public safety with evidence-based policymaking.” She urged the committee to issue a favorable report for HB 984.
