Kelly Armstrong on Crime

	Kelly Armstrong on Crime

Can't build enough prison cells to solve addiction problem

Addiction is an issue we need to confront head on. We cannot build enough prison cells to solve this problem. Kelly supports providing tools and treatment to make sure young addicts can become successful members of our society not better criminals, while still making sure we hold people accountable for their actions. Source: 2018 ND-0 House campaign website ArmstrongND.com , May 12, 2020

Reduce mandatory minimums; alternatives to incarceration

U.S. News & World Report summary 2/22/19: Gov. Burgum signed SB2015 and HB1041 into law in April 2017 to lower the number of offenders in the state's system. HB1041 reduced mandatory minimums and presumptive probation guidelines. SB2015 mandated alternatives to physical custody, including drug treatment and home detention. So far, the result has been a 6.5% drop in the state's prison population. These programs are based on findings from Norway, [which] a cohort of N.D. legislators visited in 2015. Creating good neighbors is the goal of the Norwegian prison system, with no mention of punishment or retribution. The concept stands in stark contrast to the "tough on crime" approach system deployed across the US.

Legislative Outcome: Sen. Armstrong voted YES on both: HB1041 passed House 86-4-4 on 2/21; passed Senate 42-0-5 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/17. SB2015 passed Senate 46-0-1 on 4/16; passed House 85-7-2 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/20/17.

Source: USNWR on North Dakota voting records SB2015/HB1041 , Apr 17, 2017

Keep existing rules for police accountability.

This bill addresses policing practices and law enforcement accountability:

lowers the criminal intent standard--from willful to knowing or reckless--to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution,
limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer, and
grants administrative subpoena power to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pattern-or-practice investigations.

Rep. Elise Stefanik in OPPOSITION (3/1/21): I voted against H.R. 1280--this bill poses a grave danger to law-abiding police officers, as it would eliminate qualified immunity protections, lower the standard for federal civil rights lawsuits, and limit access to necessary equipment during emergencies and natural disasters. Democrats rushed this bill to the House Floor without accepting any input from Republicans, expert testimony, or significant data. I am proud to sponsor the JUSTICE Act with Senator Tim Scott, to provide necessary reforms to end police brutality while protecting our law-abiding officers.

OnTheIssues explanation of `qualified immunity`: `Qualified immunity` means that police officers (and other government officials) cannot be sued for actions on duty, unless knowingly taking unreasonable actions. This bill would limit `qualified immunity,` which means the family in cases like George Floyd`s could sue the police for civil damages.

Biden Administration in SUPPORT (3/1/21): We must begin by rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the people they are entrusted to serve and protect. We cannot rebuild that trust if we do not hold police officers accountable for abuses of power and tackle systemic misconduct--and systemic racism--in police departments.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 220-212-0 on March 3, 2021, rollcall #60; received in Senate on March 9; no further Senate action during 2021.

Source: Congressional vote 21-HR1280 on Feb 24, 2021

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