What significant law was passed in Texas in 2015 related to criminal justice reform?

The Texas "Smart on Crime" initiative, passed in 2015, marked a critical shift in the state's approach to criminal justice reform. This initiative prioritized evidence-based practices to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism, focusing on more efficient use of resources while addressing issues within the criminal justice system.

Specifically, the initiative included measures aimed at reforming sentencing laws, reducing the reliance on incarceration for low-level offenses, and promoting alternatives such as treatment and rehabilitation programs. This was in recognition of the fact that harsher penalties did not necessarily equate to lower crime rates and that the overall effectiveness of the justice system could be improved by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.

By emphasizing smarter, more sustainable strategies for dealing with crime, this initiative built on a growing national conversation about the need for reform in criminal justice policies that disproportionately affected certain populations, thereby making strides toward a more equitable system.