2018 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Crime
John Kasich:
Rehab, not prison, for low-level offenders
The local judges now are not sending everybody to prison when they're a low offender. And I want to thank the judge, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, because we work with judges to bring rational thinking into this and to keep them in the
local community where they can be rehabbed, get their life back, and the public can be safe. We have now the lowest entry into our state prisons in 27 years. It's starting to work.
Source: 2018 Ohio State of the State address
Mar 7, 2018
Larry Hogan:
Crack down on violent crime with truth-in-sentencing laws
We enacted tough anti-gang legislation, including a new Maryland RICO statute. This year, let's crack down on those violent criminals who use guns to commit crimes by passing tougher minimum sentences. And pass truth-in-sentencing legislation to require
that repeat violent criminals serve their full sentences without the possibility of suspension, parole, or probation. Let's strengthen Maryland's gang statutes and RICO law to help take down these drug dealing criminal gang enterprises.
Source: 2018 Maryland State of the State address
Jan 31, 2018
Jerry Brown:
Instead of new laws, consider the overall system
My plea is relatively straightforward: Take time to understand how our system of crime and punishment has evolved, how other states and countries have devised their prison systems and what changes might we now make.
I urge that instead of enacting new laws because of horrible crimes and lurid headlines, you consider the overall system and what it might need and what truly protects public safety.
Source: 2018 California State of the State address
Jan 25, 2018
Henry McMaster:
Jam cellphone signals inside state prisons
We also face threats from inside our prisons. Today, cell phones are so concealable and available that they have revolutionized criminal activity. With cell phones smuggled inside the prison or secretly thrown over the wall, inmates and
their conspirators on the outside can practice extortion, conduct blackmail, plan and execute "hits," operate drug rings and run any number of fraud schemes.
It is as though they never got caught.Our Department of Corrections is leading the national effort to repeal the federal law which prohibits us from jamming these phone signals.
Until we accomplish that, we must take every action, try every idea and implement any law which will stop these criminals. I ask for your determined assistance.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to South Carolina legislature
Jan 24, 2018
Ralph Northam:
Raise threshold for felony larceny; 2nd chance after mistake
On the first day of this session, Governor McAuliffe spoke to you about the importance of second chances in our criminal justice system. I was proud to stand beside him as he made history by restoring more civil rights to former offenders than any
governor in American history. My team and I will continue that policy over the next four years so that men and women who make mistakes and serve their time can reenter society as full partners in our democracy, not second-class citizens.
We should also work together this session to join the rest of the nation and raise the threshold for felony larceny. Virginia's threshold has not changed since 1980. It is the lowest in America.
There is no excuse for the criminal act of theft, but a teenager who steals one used iPhone or a pair of boots should not have her entire life defined by that one mistake.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Virginia legislature
Jan 16, 2018
Susana Martinez:
Increase penalties for many crimes
I learned a long time ago as a prosecutor--and it's just plain common sense--that those who commit crimes will go where the laws are weak and punishments are light. And in New Mexico, they have found their easy mark. Just over a year ago,
New Mexicans voted to give judges power they've never had before--to hold dangerous defendants--including repeat offenders--in jail prior to their trial. This session, let's increase penalties for those who use a gun while committing a crime.
Crack down on those who repeatedly drive drunk. Require stiffer punishment for those who commit crimes while other charges are pending against them. Pass child protection legislation that would increase penalties on those who prey on, abuse, and kill
the most precious and innocent among us. We also need a three-strikes law with real teeth, and those who kill police officers, correctional officers, or children should absolutely face the death penalty.
Source: 2018 New Mexico State of the State address
Jan 16, 2018
Nathan Deal:
Accountability courts fight recidivism
We are offering those who have made mistakes and are willing to work hard to correct them a second chance through our accountability courts. Individuals whose lives were once controlled by addictions are now able to reclaim forfeited potential,
reconnect with their children, retain employment & contribute as taxpaying citizens, and restore hope for a brighter tomorrow. I am happy to report that every one of our 49 judicial circuits now has at least one type of accountability court in operation.
Source: 2018 Georgia State of the State address
Jan 11, 2018
Terry McAuliffe:
Second chance for youthful offenders
A guiding principle that has served this administration well is the incredible importance of second chances. I believe that should apply to everyone, even men and women who commit a crime. That approach guided the transformation of our Commonwealth's
juvenile justice system as we reduced the population by nearly 2/3 and began to close our two huge adult-style youth prisons. [Let's] advance the reforms that will prepare these young people to lead more productive lives, while saving taxpayers millions.
Source: 2018 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 10, 2018
Chris Christie:
Bail reform based on crime, not wealth
Release from jail pending trial is now no longer based on how much money you have in the bank but on the seriousness of the accusations and your criminal record. No longer can a repeat violent offender be released and terrify his victims or old
neighborhood because he has millions of dollars in cash from drug & gun deals. By the same token, no longer must you stay in jail for a minor offense longer than you would have to serve if convicted because you or your family doesn't have $500 for bail.
Source: 2018 New Jersey State of the State address
Jan 9, 2018
Chris Christie:
Expunge records for less serious crimes
No longer can an employer make a job applicant with a criminal record check a box and end their chances of redemptive employment--together we have banned the box in New Jersey. Crimes of our youth can now be expunged in three years, adult crimes
in six years and many more crimes are eligible for life changing expungement. County prison population is already down 17% and two state prisons have been closed, saving countless millions for taxpayers.
Source: 2018 New Jersey State of the State address
Jan 9, 2018
Jay Inslee:
End the death penalty
Let's leave a legacy that upholds the equal application of justice by
passing a bill to end the death penalty in the state of Washington.
Source: 2018 Washington State of the State address
Jan 9, 2018
Kay Ivey:
More prison staffing and more capital investments in prisons
For far too long, we have neglected the state's prison system. This neglect has created an environment that is overcrowded and understaffed. Our facilities are worn and old. Correctional professionals work diligently to provide security, medical,
mental health and rehabilitative services in a challenging environment. They deserve our attention and support. We must also work diligently to provide appropriate, constitutional care to those placed in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
Immediately after taking office, I developed a plan to address correctional staffing, which will improve the delivery of inmate healthcare and make capital investments in our infrastructure. We have commissioned comprehensive reviews to determine
the compensation levels necessary to recruit and retain corrections staff. I have [started] developing a master plan, so we will be able to make smart, cost-effective decisions when addressing our outdated prison infrastructure.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
Page last updated: Apr 07, 2019