10:15-11 a.m.
LACC Room 304 ABC
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Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
Federal Update
The Trump administration and Congress have proposed rules and legislation in a variety of areas that will significantly impact states. Attendees will learn about these federal measures and how they will affect their states and help direct NCSL’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
Moderator:
- Honorable Roger E. Goodman, State Representative, Washington
Speakers:
- Susan Parnas Frederick, Senior Federal Affairs Counsel and Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Policy Director, NCSL
- Lucia Bragg, Policy Associate, NCSL
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11 a.m.-12 p.m.
LACC Room 304 ABC
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Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
At a Crossroads: States, the Federal Government and Cannabis (CLE)
There is a longstanding conflict between the federal Controlled Substances Act and state laws legalizing marijuana. This year, with the release of the attorney general’s Memorandum on Marijuana Enforcement, states that have legalized marijuana in any context—whether decriminalizing small amounts or legalizing medical, recreational or both—face uncertainty over how the federal government will pursue enforcement. Attendees will learn how this new policy may affect states and how to proceed.
Moderator:
- Honorable Eric K. Hutchings, State Representative, Utah
Speakers:
- Honorable Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Sr., State Assemblymember, California
- Honorable Roger J. Katz, State Senator, Maine
- Professor Robert Mikos, Vanderbilt Law School, Tennessee
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12:15-1:15 p.m.
LACC Room 403 AB
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Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
The Arts for Incarcerated Youth Luncheon
(Joint with the Labor and Economic Development Committee)
A budding coalition has formed to pursue policy reforms enabling youth involved in the criminal justice system to reach their full potential through the arts. Presenters will share practical examples, significant research and policy implications for state decision-makers. Attendees will explore the intersection of the arts and the juvenile justice system.
Moderator:
- Honorable Gerald Malloy, State Senator, South Carolina
Speakers:
- Jay Dick, Senior Director of State & Local Government Affairs, American for the Arts, Washington, D.C.
- Jeff Poulin, Arts Education Program Manager, Americans for the Arts, Washington, D.C.
- Kaile Shilling, Executive Director, Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network, California
- Ayanna Cole, Assistant Director, Social Impact Programs, Carnegie Hall, New York
- Dr. Amir Whitaker, Esq., Founder and Director, Project KnuckleHead, California
NCSL gratefully acknowledges the Americans for the Arts for its support of this luncheon.
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1:30-2:45 p.m.
LACC Room 403 AB
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Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
Strategies for Managing Prison Health Care Costs
(Joint with the Health and Human Services Committee and Budgets and Revenue Committee)
Providing prison health care is expensive—states spent $8.1 billion in FY 2015. Inmates have higher rates of physical and behavioral health problems than the general population and states and localities are constitutionally mandated to provide a minimum level of care. When prisoners stay healthy, states’ budgets stay healthier, too. This session will explore state strategies that aim to control rising health care costs in the corrections system, while promoting inmate health and ensuring public safety.
Moderator:
- Honorable Paul Ray, State Representative, Utah
Speakers:
- Frances McGaffey, Senior Associate, State Fiscal Health, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, D.C.
- Daniel Mistak, JD, General Counsel, Community Oriented Correctional Health Services, California
- Dr. Stacey Trooskin, Physician and Director of Viral Hepatitis Program, Philadelphia Fight-Community Health Center, Pennsylvania
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2:45-4 p.m.
LACC Room 403 AB
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Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
Exploring Victims’ Rights Through Marsy’s Law (CLE)
States are showing increased interest in victims’ rights, with many policymakers looking to Marsy’s Law—the California Victims' Bill of Rights Act of 2008—as a model policy. This strategy would amend state constitutions to provide meaningful, enforceable rights to crime victims on par with those afforded to defendants. Is Marsy’s Law good policy, or will it increase costs, delay cases, and result in more litigation? Is there a middle ground? This session will explore approaches to victims’ rights legislation, including Marsy’s Law, and highlight effective implementation strategies.
Moderator:
- Honorable Gerald Malloy, State Senator, South Carolina
Panelists:
- Patrick Guinan, Senior Principal Policy Analyst, Legislative Counsel Bureau, Nevada Legislature
- Elizabeth Ortiz, Executive Director, Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys Advisory Council (APAAC), Arizona
- Honorable Whitney H. Westerfield, State Senator, Kentucky
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4-5:15 p.m.
LACC Room 403 AB |
Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
Understanding the Legal Landscape of Criminal Records in Hiring Decisions (CLE)
(Joint with the Labor and Economic Development Committee)
State laws create numerous barriers to employment and occupational licensing for people with criminal records. Nationwide, efforts have focused on “fair chance” hiring reforms designed to increase employment opportunities for ex-offenders. While working on reforms, it’s important to understand the legal landscape. This session will highlight federal laws and agency guidance, noteworthy state court decisions and legislative solutions.
Moderator:
- Honorable Eric K. Hutchings, State Representative, Utah
Speakers:
- Carol Miaskoff, Associate Legal Counsel, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, D.C.
- Chidi Umez, Project Manager, CSG Justice Center, New York
- Honorable David I. Weprin, State Assemblymember, New York
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