Jay-Z & Meek Mill’s REFORM Alliance Celebrate New Probation Law In California

Reform Alliance

Jay-Z & Meek Mill’s REFORM Alliance Celebrate New Probation Law In California

In early 2019, Meek Mill formed a super-group of power players to advocate for criminal justice reform, after he was re-imprisoned in November 2017 for a probation violation.  He brought together Roc Nation CEO Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, and CNN analyst Van Jones to assist with the, Reform Alliance.

Other members of the organization are Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, Brooklyn Nets co-owner Clara Wu Tsai, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who have contributed well over $50 million for the cause.

REFORM Alliance is celebrating its first big win after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law that was led by the organization.  The new law is AB 1950, which will lower the amount of years of probation an adult can get sentenced to, making the new maximums one year for misdemeanors and two years for felonies.

Reform announced the win online, thanking Gov. Gavin Newsom.  In the caption they wrote,

“MAJOR REFORM VICTORY! California enacts #AB1950. This bill will help put hundreds of thousands of Californians on probation in positions to succeed and exit the criminal justice system for good. Thank you @GavinNewsom!”

Governor Gavin Newson said in a statement,

“Americans across the country took to the streets this summer rightfully demanding more and better of our criminal justice system–and of ourselves.  Still, we can and must do more. Working with our youth, faith and community leaders, law enforcement, the legislature and countless others demanding change, my administration remains committed to the important work ahead to make our criminal and juvenile justice systems fairer and safer for all Californians.”

Jay-Z

“I want to thank Governor Newsom for his leadership in signing AB 1950, the most transformative probation bill in this country to date.  This is a first step that I hope introduces a wave of much needed change throughout the country.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Van Jones seen at 16th Annual Heroes in the Struggle Awards Presentation & Reception at the Darryl F. Zanuck Theater at 20th Century Fox Studios on Saturday September 16, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Shot by @ArnoldShoots)

Van Jones also thanked the Governor, adding that this will lead to better outcomes for families in California.