Second Look Act

Summary#

This bill, the Second Look Act of 2026, creates a new way for certain federal prisoners to ask a court to reduce a sentence. A court may consider reducing a sentence if the original sentence was more than 10 years, the person has served at least 10 years, the court finds the person is not a danger and is ready to reenter society, and the court decides the interests of justice support a reduction. The bill adds a new law (section 3627) that sets rules for petitions, required factors the court must consider (including age, rehabilitation, and victim statements), a rebuttable presumption of release for applicants age 50 or older, limits on how often a person may reapply, notice requirements by the Bureau of Prisons, right to counsel if the defendant cannot afford one, and procedures for hearings and appeals. It also requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to publish an annual report with data about applications and outcomes, and it applies to past and future convictions.

What it means for you#

• If you are serving a federal sentence longer than 10 years and have served at least 10 years, you (or your lawyer) can file a motion in the sentencing court asking for a reduced sentence under this new process.
• The Bureau of Prisons must notify eligible people and the court around the start of the person’s 10th year in custody.
• Courts will consider many things, such as the person’s age at offense and at petition, behavior in prison, completion of programs, health evaluations, victim statements, and family circumstances.
• People 50 or older who apply will have a rebuttable presumption in favor of release.
• Victims must be notified as required by existing victims’ rights law. Defendants who cannot afford a lawyer for the process can have one appointed for the petition and any appeal.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on projected federal costs or savings from implementing this bill. The bill requires annual reporting by the U.S. Sentencing Commission and includes administrative steps (notice, hearings, appointed counsel where needed), but it does not provide a federal cost estimate. The bill’s findings note a separate estimate that incarcerating approximately 250,000 people age 50 or older in State prisons costs about $16,000,000,000 per year, but that figure is presented as a finding, not a federal budget estimate tied to the bill.

Proponents' View#

Supporters in the bill say a formal “second look” is needed because the U.S. sentences many people to long terms with limited review. The bill’s findings state that long and life sentences can conflict with human rights standards, that mandatory minimums contributed to long federal sentences, and that age and rehabilitation reduce recidivism. The bill cites research and recommendations from legal and corrections organizations that favor resentencing opportunities, and it notes that older people in prison tend to commit less misconduct and reoffend less after release. Proponents argue this measure would allow courts to consider changed circumstances and readiness for reentry.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents’ views in the bill text or metadata.