34 criminal legal system reforms that can win in 2026 – Prison Policy Initiative

Report on State-Level Criminal Justice Reforms and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On November 19, 2025, the Prison Policy Initiative released its 2026 edition of Winnable Criminal Justice Reforms. This report provides state and local policymakers with actionable, evidence-based strategies to create a more just and equitable criminal legal system. The initiative directly supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), by promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

The report’s focus on reducing incarceration and enhancing fairness is critical for advancing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as these reforms seek to mitigate the disproportionate impact of the justice system on marginalized communities.

Core Principles and SDG Alignment

The 34 proposed reforms are curated based on principles that align with sustainable and equitable development. These guiding principles include:

• Implementing straightforward solutions that do not require further investment in carceral infrastructure.
• Prioritizing the reduction of populations in prisons and jails, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by mitigating the negative health outcomes associated with incarceration.
• Focusing on reforms with proven momentum and successful implementation in multiple states, fostering the development of effective institutions as per SDG 16.6.
• Providing resources to counter regressive policies, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of justice reform victories and strengthening the rule of law (SDG 16.3).

Key Reform Areas and Contribution to Global Goals

The report organizes the 34 reform strategies into eight distinct categories. While the specific categories are detailed in the full report, their collective aim is to advance key SDGs through targeted legislative action. The areas of reform contribute to the following goals:

1. Promoting Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16): The primary objective is to reform the criminal legal system to be more just, fair, and humane. This includes ensuring equal access to justice for all and building effective, accountable institutions.
2. Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10): Reforms are designed to address and rectify systemic biases, ensuring equal opportunity and reducing inequalities of outcome for vulnerable populations within the justice system.
3. Fostering Economic Growth and Decent Work (SDG 8): By reducing incarceration and removing barriers to reentry, these reforms aim to improve employment opportunities and economic stability for formerly incarcerated individuals, contributing to inclusive economic growth.
4. Alleviating Poverty (SDG 1): The reforms address a key driver of poverty by mitigating the financial devastation that contact with the criminal legal system can cause for individuals and their families.

Strategic Dissemination for Policy Impact

To facilitate legislative action, the report has been distributed to approximately 650 lawmakers across all 50 states and political parties who have demonstrated a commitment to justice reform. This strategic dissemination aims to equip policymakers with the necessary research, model legislation, and context to enact meaningful change during upcoming legislative sessions. This effort directly supports the implementation of evidence-based policymaking, a crucial component for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• This goal is central to the article, which focuses on reforming the criminal legal system. The text explicitly mentions the work of policymakers and advocates “to shrink the criminal legal system and make it fairer.” This directly relates to SDG 16’s aim to promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies by reforming institutions like the justice system. The article’s goal of providing “actionable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges their states’ criminal legal systems face” aligns with building effective and accountable institutions.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The article addresses this goal by emphasizing the need to make the criminal legal system “more just and equitable.” Inequities within the justice system are a significant driver of broader societal inequality. By advocating for reforms, the Prison Policy Initiative aims to address policies that may disproportionately affect certain populations, thereby contributing to the reduction of inequalities within the country.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

• The article’s core mission is to make the criminal legal system “fairer,” “more just and equitable.” This directly supports the promotion of the rule of law and equal access to justice. The report’s focus on “Winnable Criminal Justice Reforms” is a practical strategy for achieving this target at the state level.

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.

• This target is reflected in the article’s call to make the system “more just and equitable” and to “beat back coordinated attacks against prior victories” and fight “regressive policies.” These actions are aimed at reducing inequalities of outcome within the justice system by changing or preventing discriminatory or unfair policies through legislation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Implied Indicators for Target 16.3

• Reduction in the number of people confined in prisons and jails: The article explicitly states, “We particularly focused on reforms that would reduce the number of people needlessly confined in prisons and jails.” This is a direct, measurable indicator of progress in reforming the justice system.
• Number of reforms passed by state legislatures: The article introduces a report with “34 vital reform strategies” sent to lawmakers to help them “craft legislation for the upcoming legislative sessions.” The number of these or similar reforms that are successfully passed into law serves as an indicator of institutional change.

Implied Indicators for Target 10.3

• Adoption of legislation to make the system more equitable: The article’s purpose is to equip lawmakers and advocates to pass reforms that make the system “more just and equitable.” The passage of such specific legislation is a key indicator of progress toward reducing inequalities.
• Number of regressive policies defeated: The article notes that advocates are working to “beat back coordinated attacks against prior victories” and fight “regressive policies that threaten to undo decades of work.” Successfully preventing the implementation of such policies is an indicator of maintaining or advancing equality.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: prisonpolicy.org