First Step Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-756
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced: 2017-03-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Adult education and literacy
Advisory bodies
Census and government statistics
Child safety and welfare
Coast guard
Congressional oversight
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Crime prevention
Crime victims
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal justice information and records
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Department of Commerce
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Justice
Department of State
Department of the Interior
Drug therapy
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Economic performance and conditions
Educational technology and distance education
Elementary and secondary education
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employment and training programs
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Executive agency funding and structure
Family relationships
Family services
Firearms and explosives
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Health technology, devices, supplies
Homelessness and emergency shelter
Indian social and development programs
Infrastructure development
International law and treaties
International organizations and cooperation
Juvenile crime and gang violence
Law enforcement administration and funding
Law enforcement officers
Low- and moderate-income housing
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marine and inland water transportation
Marine pollution
Materials
Mental health
Performance measurement
Poverty and welfare assistance
Public contracts and procurement
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Rural conditions and development
Sex offenses
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Solid waste and recycling
State and local courts
Trade agreements and negotiations
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation
Vocational and technical education
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection
Women's health
Worker safety and health
Youth employment and child labor

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-29
text: 

Save Our Seas Act of 2017 or the SOS Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Marine Debris Act to revise the Marine Debris Program to require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with: (1) other agencies to address both land- and sea-based sources of marine debris, and (2) the Department of State and other agencies to promote international action to reduce the incidence of marine debris.
 
The bill also revises the program by allowing NOAA to make sums available for assisting in the cleanup and response required by severe marine debris events. NOAA must prioritize assistance for activities that respond to a severe marine debris event in: (1) a rural or remote community, or (2) a habitat of national concern. 
 
The bill urges the President to: (1) work with foreign countries that contribute the most to the global marine debris problem in order to find a solution to the problem; (2) study issues related to marine debris, including the economic impacts of marine debris; and (3) encourage the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to consider the impact of marine debris in relevant future trade agreements.
 
The Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee must expand to include a senior official from the State Department or from the Department of the Interior.
 
This bill reauthorizes for FY2018-FY2022: (1) the Marine Debris Program, (2) an information clearinghouse on marine debris, and (3) enforcement of laws about discarded marine debris from ships.
action_date: 2017-07-24
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
 

Save Our Seas Act of 2017 or the SOS Act of 2017

 
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Marine Debris Act to revise the Marine Debris Program to require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with: (1) other agencies to address both land- and sea-based sources of marine debris, and (2) the Department of State and other agencies to promote international action to reduce the incidence of marine debris.
 
(Sec. 3) The bill also revises the program by allowing NOAA to make sums available for assisting in the cleanup and response required by severe marine debris events. NOAA must prioritize assistance for activities that respond to a severe marine debris event in: (1) a rural or remote community, or (2) a habitat of national concern. 
 
(Sec. 4) The bill urges the President to: 
 
 
support funding for research and development of bio-based and other alternatives or environmentally feasible improvements to materials that reduce municipal solid waste;
 
work with foreign countries that contribute the most to the global marine debris problem in order to find a solution to the problem; 
 
study issues related to marine debris, including the economic impacts of marine debris; and 
 
encourage the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to consider the impact of marine debris in relevant future trade agreements.
 
 
(Sec. 5) The Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee must expand to include a senior official from the State Department and from the Department of the Interior.
 
(Sec. 6) This bill reauthorizes for FY2018-FY2022: (1) the Marine Debris Program, (2) an information clearinghouse on marine debris, and (3) enforcement of laws about discarded marine debris from ships.
action_date: 2017-08-03
text: 

Save Our Seas Act of 2017 or the SOS Act of 2017

 
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Marine Debris Act to revise the Marine Debris Program to require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with: (1) other agencies to address both land- and sea-based sources of marine debris, and (2) the Department of State and other agencies to promote international action to reduce the incidence of marine debris.
 
(Sec. 3) The bill also revises the program by allowing NOAA to make sums available for assisting in the cleanup and response required by severe marine debris events. 
 
(Sec. 4) The bill urges the President to: 
 
 
support funding for research and development of bio-based and other alternatives or environmentally feasible improvements to materials that reduce municipal solid waste;
 
work with foreign countries that contribute the most to the global marine debris problem in order to find a solution to the problem; 
 
study issues related to marine debris, including the economic impacts of marine debris; and 
 
encourage the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to consider the impact of marine debris in relevant future trade agreements.
 
 
(Sec. 5) The Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee must expand to include a senior official from the State Department and from the Department of the Interior.
 
(Sec. 6) This bill reauthorizes for FY2018-FY2022: (1) the Marine Debris Program, (2) an information clearinghouse on marine debris, and (3) enforcement of laws about discarded marine debris from ships.
action_date: 2018-12-21
text: 

First Step Act of 2018

 
TITLE I--RECIDIVISM REDUCTION
 
(Sec. 101) This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a risk and needs assessment system to evaluate the recidivism risk of prisoners; to guide housing, grouping, and program assignments; and to incentivize and reward participation in and completion of recidivism reduction programs and productive activities.
 
(Sec. 102) The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) must implement the risk and needs assessment system at its facilities.
 
The bill modifies the computation of good time credit to allow a prisoner to earn a maximum of 54 days per year of the sentence imposed (instead of 54 days per year of the sentence actually served).
 
(Sec. 103) The Government Accountability Office must audit the use of the risk and needs assessment system at BOP facilities.
 
(Sec. 104) The bill authorizes funds for FY2019-FY2023 to establish and implement the risk and needs assessment system. Of the amount appropriated, 80% is reserved for use by the BOP for implementation.
 
(Sec. 105) The bill does not authorize prerelease custody or supervised release for an individual serving a prison term for a state offense.
 
(Sec. 106) It prohibits discrimination against a program, treatment, regimen, group, company, charity, person, or entity based on the fact that it may be or is faith-based.
 
(Sec. 107) The bill establishes the Independent Review Committee to help DOJ:
 
 
review existing prisoner risk and needs assessment systems, 
 
develop recommendations regarding rehabilitative programs and productive activities, 
 
research and analyze the effectiveness of such programs, and 
 
review and validate the system.
 
 
TITLE II--BUREAU OF PRISONS SECURE FIREARMS STORAGE
 

Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act of 2018

 
(Sec. 202) The BOP must allow federal correctional officers to securely store and carry concealed firearms on BOP premises outside the security perimeter of a prison.
 
TITLE III--RESTRAINTS ON PREGNANT PRISONERS PROHIBITED
 
(Sec. 301) The bill limits the use of restraints on federal prisoners who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery.
 
TITLE IV--SENTENCING REFORM
 
(Sec. 401) This bill reduces, and restricts the application of, the enhanced mandatory minimum prison terms for certain repeat drug offenses involving high-level drug quantities (e.g., one kilogram or more of heroin). 
 
Specifically, it reduces the mandatory minimum sentence:
 
 
from 20 to 15 years for a high-level offense after one prior conviction, and
 
from life to 25 years for a high-level offense after two or more prior convictions. 
 
 
Additionally, the mandatory minimum penalty applies if the prior convictions are for a serious drug felony or serious violent felony (currently, a felony drug offense).
 
(Sec. 402) It broadens eligibility for the existing safety valve exception. Courts may impose a sentence below the mandatory minimum for certain nonviolent, cooperative drug defendants with a limited criminal history.
 
(Sec. 403) The bill reduces from 25 to 15 years the enhanced mandatory minimum prison term for a defendant who uses a firearm in a crime of violence or drug offense after a prior conviction for such offense. 
 
(Sec. 404) It makes the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 retroactive. A convicted crack cocaine offender sentenced before August 3, 2010, may petition federal court for resentencing. 
 
TITLE V--SECOND CHANCE ACT OF 2007 REAUTHORIZATION
 

Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2018

 
(Sec. 502) This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968:
 
 
to revise and reauthorize grant programs for offender reentry demonstration projects; family-based substance abuse treatment; and evaluating and improving educational methods at prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities; and
 
to repeal grant programs for offender reentry courts and drug treatment alternatives to incarceration.
 
 
Additionally, the legislation amends the Second Chance Act of 2007:
 
 
to rename, revise, and reauthorize grant programs for technology career training demonstration projects and reentry mentoring services;
 
to reauthorize offender reentry research and the grant program for offender reentry substance abuse and criminal justice collaboration;
 
to reauthorize and modify eligibility for an elderly offender early release pilot program; and 
 
to repeal grant programs for the responsible reintegration of offenders and the study of Depot Naltrexone to treat heroin addiction.
 
 
It amends the federal criminal code to establish partnerships between prisons and faith- or community-based nonprofit organizations to conduct activities to reduce recidivism.
 
(Sec. 503) The DOJ Office of Inspector General must conduct annual audits of selected grant recipients to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds. The bill subjects grants to accountability provisions and limits the use of grants for conferences that use more than $20,000 in DOJ funds.
 
 DOJ, in collaboration with interested persons, providers, and organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments, must coordinate and report to Congress on federal reentry programs, policies, and practices.
 
Finally, the National Institute of Justice must evaluate the effectiveness of grants for offender reentry and recidivism reduction programs.
 
TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS CRIMINAL JUSTICE
 
(Sec. 601) The bill amends the federal criminal code:
 
 
 to direct the BOP to place a prisoner in a facility that is not more than 500 driving miles away from the prisoner's primary residence, subject to bed availability and the prisoner's security designation; and
 
to specify that the designation of a prison placement is not reviewable by a court.
 
 
(Sec. 602) The BOP must place low-risk prisoners on home confinement for the maximum amount of time permitted.
 
(Sec. 603) The bill reauthorizes through FY2022 and modifies eligibility for an elderly offender early release pilot program.
 
(Sec. 604) The BOP must, as part of prerelease planning procedures, help a prisoner obtain identification, including a Social Security card, driver's license or other official photo identification, and a birth certificate.
 
(Sec. 605) The bill authorizes Federal Prison Industries to sell products to new markets such as the District of Columbia government and nonprofit organizations.
 
(Sec. 606) The BOP must incorporate specialized and comprehensive de-escalation procedures into its training programs.
 
(Sec. 607) The BOP must report on its capacity to treat heroin and opioid abuse through evidence-based programs, including medication-assisted treatment.
 
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts must report on the capacity of treatment-service providers to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid and heroin abuse to prisoners serving a term of supervised release, including plans to expand access.
 
(Sec. 608) The BOP must establish pilot programs: (1) on youth mentorship; and (2) on service to abandoned, rescued, or vulnerable animals.
 
(Sec. 609) Probation and pretrial services officers must perform court-directed supervision of sex offenders conditionally released from civil commitment.
 
(Sec. 610) The bill expands data collection requirements regarding the National Prisoner Statistics Program.
 
(Sec. 611) The BOP must make tampons and sanitary napkins available free of charge.
 
(Sec. 612) The bill requires at least 8% of funds for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program to be used to provide technical assistance.
 
(Sec. 613) The bill prohibits juvenile solitary confinement, except as a temporary response to behavior that poses a serious and immediate risk of harm.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-12-21
text: Became Public Law No: 115-391.
action_date: 2018-12-21
text: Became Public Law No: 115-391.
action_date: 2018-12-21
text: Signed by President.
action_date: 2018-12-21
text: Signed by President.
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: Presented to President.
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: Presented to President.
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 358 - 36 (Roll No. 448). (consideration: CR H10431; text: CR H10346-10360)
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 358 - 36 (Roll No. 448).(consideration: CR H10431; text: CR H10346-10360)
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to S. 756.
action_date: 2018-12-20
text: Mr. Goodlatte moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment. (consideration: CR H10346-10366)
action_date: 2018-12-19
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2018-12-18
text: Senate concurred in the House amendment to S. 756 with an amendment (SA 4108) by Yea-Nay Vote. 87 - 12. Record Vote Number: 271.
action_date: 2018-12-18
text: Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate concurred in the House amendment to S. 756 with an amendment (SA 4108) by Yea-Nay Vote. 87 - 12. Record Vote Number: 271.
action_date: 2018-12-18
text: Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S7740-7745, S7746-7752, S7753-7781)
action_date: 2018-12-17
text: Cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 756 with an amendment (SA 4108) invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 82 - 12. Record Vote Number: 267. (text: CR S7650)
action_date: 2018-12-17
text: Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S7639)
action_date: 2018-12-13
text: Cloture motion on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 756 with an amendment (SA 4108) presented in Senate. (text: CR 7567)
action_date: 2018-12-13
text: Motion by Senator McConnell to concur in the House amendment to S. 756 with an amendment (SA 4108) made in Senate.
action_date: 2018-12-13
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
action_date: 2018-07-26
text: Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
action_date: 2018-07-25
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2018-07-25
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H7640-7642)
action_date: 2018-07-25
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H7640-7642)
action_date: 2018-07-25
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 756.
action_date: 2018-07-25
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7640-7645)
action_date: 2018-07-25
text: Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2018-06-27
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2018-06-27
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2018-06-27
text: Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Discharged.
action_date: 2017-08-08
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.
action_date: 2017-08-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
action_date: 2017-08-04
text: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-08-04
text: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2017-08-04
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2017-08-04
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2017-08-03
text: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2017-08-03
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2017-08-03
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4895)
action_date: 2017-07-24
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 181.
action_date: 2017-07-24
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune without amendment. With written report No. 115-135.
action_date: 2017-07-24
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune without amendment. With written report No. 115-135.
action_date: 2017-04-05
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2017-03-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2017-03-29
text: Introduced in Senate

Enacted as: number: 115-391