Bill · H.R. 8549· House(119-HR-8549)
Second Look Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/28/2026
- Last activity
- 4/28/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Sydney Kamlager-Dove
- Cosponsors
- - 9 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Second Look Act of 2026 allows incarcerated individuals to petition a Federal court to reduce their sentences if they have served at least 10 years. To qualify, the individual must not be a danger to the safety of any person or the community and must demonstrate readiness for reentry. The bill establishes specific factors for courts to consider, such as the defendant's age and rehabilitation. It also includes a rebuttable presumption for defendants aged 50 or older. Additionally, the Act provides a process for multiple applications and requires annual reporting on sentence reductions.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?+8
The bill establishes a mechanism for incarcerated individuals with sentences over 10 years to petition for sentence reductions.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+7
The bill creates a rebuttable presumption in favor of release for defendants aged 50 or older.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill provides for court-appointed counsel at no cost to indigent defendants during the application process.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Sentence Reduction Opportunities: Incarcerated persons with sentences longer than 10 years may have their terms reduced if they meet specific criteria regarding safety and reentry readiness (Section 3, subsection a).
-
Support for Older Inmates: There is a rebuttable presumption that defendants aged 50 or older should be released when they file an application for a sentence reduction (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 2).
-
Legal Assistance for Indigent Defendants: Individuals unable to afford counsel are entitled to have an attorney appointed at no cost to represent them during the application and proceedings (Section 3, subsection e, paragraph 3, clause iv).
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Consideration of Personal Circumstances: Courts are directed to consider various personal factors such as the defendant's age, maturity, rehabilitation, family circumstances, and potential benefits of family reunification (Section 3, subsection c, paragraph 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Requirement of Supervised Release: Any defendant whose sentence is reduced must still serve a term of supervised release, which may include the conditions from their original sentence (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Seniors+7Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Women+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+8Improves Racial Equity+3Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- 9/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/28/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey
Lateefah SimonDemocrat · California
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan
Nydia VelázquezDemocrat · New York
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey