Smart Justice
Sections
The National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Smart Justice efforts aim to build knowledge and capacity for successful justice policies and practices among the nation’s counties. Smart Justice projects enhance partnerships among public, private and philanthropic leaders along with national experts to promote safer communities and utilize taxpayer money more effectively and efficiently.
Projects engage county officials, national thought leaders and partners across the country by:
- Promoting evidence-based, data-driven local justice policies and practices throughout the nation’s counties;
- Taking a leadership role in exploring and implementing local justice reforms;
- Developing strategies to save counties money while creating safer communities; and
- Providing education and assistance to counties to assess their adult and juvenile systems to explore opportunities for efficient and effective use of public dollars.
President Trump signs Laken Riley Act into law
On January 29, President Trump signed the bipartisan Laken Riley Act into law, requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to detain any undocumented immigrant who has been arrested for violent or property-related crimes and giving states new authority to sue the federal government over certain immigration-related decisions.
Congress reintroduces 9-1-1 SAVES Act
On January 16, the 9-1-1 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services (SAVES) Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation aims to officially reclassify 9-1-1 dispatchers as first responders, granting these professionals the recognition they deserve for their vital contributions to public safety.
Los Angeles County aims to recover and rebuild after historic wildfires
Over a week after a series of deadly fires sparked across Los Angeles County, at least 25 people are dead, thousands of structures, including businesses and homes, have been destroyed and roughly 100,000 people across the county have been displaced.
FEMA launches third round of Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund
On January 14, FEMA announced the third funding opportunity for the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund program, making $178 million available to enhance community resilience against natural hazards.
New FEMA funding opportunities to enhance climate resilience
FEMA unveiled two significant funding opportunities to support communities in their efforts to address the growing challenges of extreme weather and natural disasters. Through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program, FEMA is making a total of $1.35 billion available to improve infrastructure resilience and mitigate flood risks.
HRSA Releases Final Reentry Care Guidelines Following NACo Input
On November 29, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released their final Policy Information Notice (PIN) with policy guidance for health centers who support transitions in care for justice-involved individuals reentering their communities.