Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Established in 2017, the binational Midwestern Legislative Conference Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee explores a range of issues, including: sentencing reform; strategies to reduce recidivism; the role and use of specialty courts; alternatives to incarceration; police and community relations; victims’ rights; and more. Legislators from the Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces serve on the MLC Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

Committee activities include ongoing policy research, webinars and in-person meetings. The committee officers for 2023-2024 are Nebraska Sen. John Cavanaugh and Wisconsin Sen. Jesse James (co-chairs) and Ohio Sen. Michele Reynolds (vice chair). Legislators from the Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces serve on the committee.

The MLC Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee last met in July 2023 in conjunction with the Midwestern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting. The committee will meet again at the MLC Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, on July 21-24, 2024.

2023 committee meeting agenda »

The CSG Midwest staff liaison to the committee is Amanda Seidel.