Skip to main content

The Pretrial Policy Fellows Program

December 20, 2023

The Pretrial Policy Fellows Program is a year-long peer-learning opportunity designed to support legislators on a variety of policy topics related to pretrial policy. The program includes two in-person meetings with additional virtual and educational opportunities. The in-person kick-off meeting was held Nov. 30-Dec. 2 in New Orleans, and the second in-person meeting was held Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 in Savannah, Ga. 

Program Objectives

  • Increase knowledge of pretrial policy and research.
  • Build connections with your legislative peers.
  • Have time to develop individual action plans related to pretrial policy.
  • Receive NCSL staff support and technical assistance.
  • Have access to a network of experts on pretrial policy.

Meet the Fellows

  • Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Ill.)
  • Daniel Druilhet, fiscal analyst, Louisiana
  • Sen. Amy Galey (R-N.C.)
  • Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Ohio)
  • Rep. Sonny Ganaden (D-Hawaii)
  • Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Wash.)
  • Sen. Briggs Hopson (R-Miss.)
  • Scott Kelly, chief of staff to Sen. Van Wangaard, Wisconsin
  • Sen. Ryan Lynch (D-Mont.)
  • Sen. Gerald Malloy (D-S.C.)
  • Sen. Brian Pettyjohn (R-Del.)
  • Rep. Thomas Reynolds (D-Miss.)
  • Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Ill.)
  • Rep. Shelia Stubbs (D-Wis.)
  • Rep. Barry Usher (R-Mont.)

Kickoff Meeting Resources | Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2022

  • Trends From then to Now
    • Matt Alsdorf, Advancing Pretrial Practice Research Initiative, Center for Effective Public Policy | Presentation
    • Amber Widgery, NCSL | Presentation
  • Pretrial Services
    • Spurgeon Kennedy, Crime and Justice Institute | Presentation
  • Legal Frameworks of Pretrial Release
  • First Appearance Overview and Breakout Discussion
  • Conditions of Release Overview and Breakout Discussion
  • State Study: Michigan

Final Meeting Resources | Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2023 

  • Separation of Powers and Legal Frameworks
    • Tim Schnacke, Center for Legal and Evidence-Based Practices | Presentation
  • State Profile: Illinois
  • State Profile: Utah
  • State Profile: New Jersey
    • Superior Court Judge Ernest Caposela, New Jersey | Presentation
  • Right to Counsel Roundtable Discussion
  • Approaches to Release and Detention Frameworks 
    • Matt Alsdorf, Advancing Pretrial Policy & Research | Presentation
  • First Appearance and Risk Assessment
    • Matt Alsdorf, Advancing Pretrial Policy & Research | Presentation

Online Resources

Loading
  • Contact NCSL

  • For more information on this topic, use this form to reach NCSL staff.