Take Action
North Carolina’s prison crisis won’t be solved by advocacy alone — it takes legislation. Below are three bills currently before the General Assembly that would ease overcrowding, create real paths to release, and improve conditions for people inside. Read what each one does, then use the letter template further down to tell your legislator you want it passed.
Bills to Watch
The Second Look Act (House Bill 589)
Allows courts to review and reduce sentences for people who have already served at least 10 years or 50% of their term, and who a judge determines are no longer a danger to public safety. North Carolina eliminated discretionary parole in 1994 — this bill offers a narrow, judge-supervised path to correct excessive sentences. Status: referred to the House Rules Committee.
Prison Resources Repurposing Act (Senate Bill 681 / House Bill 625)
Creates a Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP) for people serving life without parole, allowing them to become eligible for release after 20 years if they complete a structured 15-year contract of education and work requirements — giving people serving the state’s longest sentences a concrete, earned path forward. Status: referred to committee in both chambers.
Prison Reform Omnibus — Fair and Rehabilitative Prison Labor Act (Senate Bill 421)
Would require fair wages for incarcerated workers, prioritize job training that leads to real post-release employment, and create an independent Prison Labor Oversight Board to audit conditions and investigate complaints. Preparing people for life after incarceration is one of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism. Status: referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
Write to Your Legislator
Ready to make your voice heard? Use the template below as a starting point — copy it into an email or print it as a letter to your state senator or representative. Fill in the bracketed sections with your own information, or download the Word doc version to edit and send.