In a recent stride toward criminal justice reform, Pennsylvania has taken a monumental step toward a fairer system with the passing of Act 44, also known as the Probation Reform Bill. Enacted on July 11, 2024, this law represents a major shift in how the state approaches probation violations, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment. Act 44, alongside the Clean Slate Law, works to provide second chances for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, ultimately helping them reintegrate into society and reducing recidivism.

Act 44: Probation Reform Bill

Act 44 is designed to reform Pennsylvania's notoriously harsh probation system, which has long been criticized for trapping individuals in a cycle of unfairly strict supervision and incarceration. A significant driver behind the reform was the experience of Philadelphia native and internationally known rapper Meek Mill, who faced repeated jail time for minor probation violations, including a two-to-four-year sentence for popping a wheelie on a dirt bike. His story, sadly a common one here in Pennsylvania, became a rallying point for reform advocates, and after five years of sustained efforts, Act 44 was passed with strong bipartisan support.