On July 9, 2025, Indiana announced the implementation of new criminal justice reform laws aimed at reducing mass incarceration and addressing racial disparities within the state's criminal justice system. The new laws, which were signed into effect by Governor Eric Holcomb, represent a significant step forward in the state's efforts to improve its criminal justice system and promote fairness and equity for all residents.One of the key components of the new laws is the implementation of mandatory minimum sentencing reforms for non-violent offenses. Under the new laws, judges will have more discretion in sentencing individuals convicted of non-violent crimes, allowing them to consider a wider range of factors beyond just the nature of the offense itself. This change is expected to help reduce the number of individuals serving disproportionately long sentences for minor offenses, ultimately leading to a decrease in the state's prison population.In addition to mandatory minimum sentencing reforms, the new laws also include provisions aimed at increasing access to rehabilitation and reentry programs for individuals who have been incarcerated. These programs will provide support and resources to help individuals successfully reintegrate into society upon their release from prison, with the goal of reducing recidivism rates and improving outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals.Furthermore, the new laws also address racial disparities within the criminal justice system by implementing measures to monitor and track data related to arrests, sentencing, and incarceration rates. By collecting and analyzing this data, policymakers will be better equipped to identify and address systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system, ultimately leading to more equitable outcomes for all residents of Indiana.Overall, the introduction of these new criminal justice reform laws represents a significant step forward for Indiana in its efforts to reduce mass incarceration, promote fairness and equity within the criminal justice system, and improve outcomes for all individuals involved in the system. Governor Holcomb has expressed his optimism about the impact of these reforms, stating that they will help create a more just and equitable criminal justice system for the residents of Indiana.