We know Mee kMill has spoken about his efforts toward criminal justice reform and his actions are certainly following suit! Meek has officially teamed up with Pennsylvania lawmakers to help improve the state’s parole and probation system.
According to TMZ, Meek introduced the new bill earlier today, alongside @reform co-chairs #VanJones and #MichaelRubin. The proposed bill hopes to prevent those on parole or probation from being subject to the criminal justice system due to strict regulations.
Meek hopes the bill will reduce probationary periods, create incentives for good behavior, and minimize restrictions for technical probation violations–which is the reason for Meek’s incarceration in 2017.
The creation of these new set of probationary guidelines will prevent those on parole and probation from being reincarcerated for violations such as marijuana use, association with convicted criminals, or traveling outside of their jurisdiction.
“This proposed bill is the first step in changing the criminal justice system and it’s only right we start in my home state,” Meek said. “I’ve lost too much time away from my son, my family, my friends and fans in Philly because of outdates probation laws, so I want to make sure people don’t have to go through what I did.”
Many advocacy groups have already expressed their support for Meek, The Reform Alliance, and the proposed legislation with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Pennsylvania currently has the highest incarceration rate in the U.S. and the second-highest percentage of people on probation and parole.
“With this proposed legislation, we want to put people on probation and parole positions to succeed–not wind up back in prison and perpetuate an on going cycle,” Van Jones said. “This is just the beginning, and there’s more work to be done.”
Meek is reportedly still on probation and hopes that this new bill will be a huge step in the right direction for the future of Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system.
