D.C. Bill Repeals Second Look Sentencing, Creates $200K Cap on Victim Services Grants by 2026

The newly proposed Just Incarceration of Criminal Elements in D. C. Act—or the JUSTICE in D. C. Act—is a two-part bill that makes a major shift in how the District handles sentencing reform and victim support. This legislation is essentially swapping out two existing laws for a new grant program, meaning it’s a policy trade-off that will affect people both inside and outside the justice system.

The Sentencing Reset

Section 2 of the JUSTICE Act is straightforward but heavy: it repeals the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act and the Second Look Amendment Act. For those who haven’t tracked D.C. criminal justice policy closely, these two acts were designed to give certain individuals, particularly those sentenced as juveniles or those who had served long sentences, a chance to petition the court for early release or sentence reduction. Think of it as a mechanism for second chances and reducing the prison population. Repealing these laws essentially closes that door. For affected individuals and their families, this means the possibility of an earlier release based on rehabilitation and time served is off the table, making sentences much more rigid. This change amends the 1932 Act that established the D.C. parole board, suggesting a broader restructuring of release authority.

New Funding for Survivors

While one door closes, the bill opens a new funding stream for victims of violent crime. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants will be required to establish a new annual grant program. The mandate is clear: fund groups that provide advocacy, mental health support, and job help to people who have survived violent crimes. For organizations doing this crucial work, this guarantees a dedicated funding source.

The Fine Print on the Grants

There’s a crucial cap on this new funding: no single organization can receive more than $200,000 per year. For a small, local non-profit focused on a specific neighborhood, this $200,000 might be a game-changer, allowing them to hire a full-time counselor or expand their outreach. However, for larger organizations that provide comprehensive, 24/7 services across the entire District, that $200,000 cap might be too small to significantly expand operations or replace major existing funding. The intent is clearly to boost victim services, but the cap suggests the program might favor smaller, hyper-local providers over large-scale operations.

What This Means on the Ground

This bill sets up a clear policy exchange: the District is moving away from policies focused on reducing incarceration and toward mandatory funding for crime victims. If you’re a family member hoping for a relative’s case to be reviewed under the Second Look Act, this bill removes that option. Conversely, if you or someone you know is a violent crime survivor, this bill promises more resources for essential services like therapy and job training, though we’ll have to wait until 2026 to see the program fully roll out. The key takeaway is the shift in focus: a hardening of sentencing policy paired with a dedicated, if capped, investment in victim support.