Key Issues to Watch in 2024: Crime, Fentanyl, Immigration, Mental Health, and Poverty

The issue of crime is once again at the forefront of state legislatures across the country, with a tough-on-crime stance gaining momentum. In Kentucky, a bill has been filed to increase penalties for violent crimes, including the revival of the three-strikes provision that would require life sentences without parole for individuals convicted of three separate violent felonies.

While the focus on restricting or penalizing police behavior has waned, the issue of property crimes, particularly auto and retail theft, has gained attention. Media coverage of retail theft has been heavy, leading to many lawmakers seeking to address the issue by passing laws to increase penalties for organized retail crime and lower felony theft thresholds.

Despite a decrease in homicides last year, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, and property crimes have become a significant concern for many. The rise in property crimes, along with a sharp increase in auto thefts, has the potential to derail two decades of criminal justice reform efforts, according to experts.

In 2023, several states adopted compassionate release policies and clean slate laws to help former offenders reintegrate into society. However, the desire among lawmakers to crack down on murderers, thieves, and drug dealers may make it challenging for reformers to advance criminal justice reform initiatives this year.

Overall, the focus on crime and public safety issues is expected to continue to be a key priority for state legislatures in 2024, with a shift towards addressing property crimes and increasing penalties for offenders. The debate between tough-on-crime policies and criminal justice reform efforts is likely to shape legislative agendas in the coming year.