News / FJP Releases

March 14, 2025

Fair and Just Prosecution Condemns Senate Passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act

Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) strongly condemns the Senate’s passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act, a reckless and misguided bill that doubles down on the failed, punitive drug policies of the past instead of embracing real, evidence-based solutions to the overdose crisis.

FJP Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig issued the following statement in response to the Senate passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act:

“Overdose deaths are declining not because of harsh sentencing laws, but because we are finally investing in what works—harm reduction, expanded treatment, and proven public health strategies. The HALT Fentanyl Act threatens this progress by doubling down on ineffective and extreme sentences and fueling unjust prosecutions that disproportionately target communities of color. We have decades of evidence showing that harsh sentencing laws don’t stop drug use or save lives. Why are we repeating the same mistakes?

March 6, 2025

FJP Statement on Tomorrow’s Scheduled Execution of Brad Sigmon

Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) condemns the upcoming execution of Brad Sigmon in South Carolina, who is scheduled to be executed by firing squad tomorrow. More than 6,000 people have signed a petition organized by South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (SCADP) demanding that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster – who has the sole authority to grant clemency – to give Mr. Sigmon a permanent reprieve from execution.

Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig issued the following statement ahead of South Carolina’s planned execution of Brad Sigmon tomorrow:

“Barring last minute intervention, tomorrow the state of South Carolina will execute Mr. Sigmon by firing squad. There is no place in civilized society for state-sanctioned killing. Moreover, a firing squad is a uniquely and horrifyingly brutal execution. We unequivocally condemn this execution and urge policymakers across the country to abolish the barbaric use of capital punishment.

February 18, 2025

FJP Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig Testifies in Opposition to Maryland HB 1398 Before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee

Today, Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig testified before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 1398 the so-called “Distribution of Heroin or Fentanyl Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death” Act. If enacted, this bill would impose harsh criminal penalties on families, friends, or package delivery workers by holding them liable for overdose deaths they did not intend or could not foresee. Research and experience show that laws like HB 1398 fail to deter drug use, discourage people from seeking medical help in overdose situations, and exacerbate racial disparities in the criminal legal system.

Despite claims that this legislation is intended to target high-level traffickers, its broad language ensures that low-level users, family members, and friends of overdose victims could be prosecuted as has been the case in other states where similar laws are already in place. Additionally, similar laws in New Jersey, Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois, Louisiana, and New York led to significant increases in overdose deaths despite a dramatic uptick in drug-induced homicide prosecutions.

FJP Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig Testifies in favor of the Maryland Second Look Act before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee

Today, Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig testified before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee in favor of HB 853 – the Maryland Second Look Act – a crucial bill that would provide incarcerated individuals who have served at least 20 years with an opportunity to petition for a sentence reduction. HB 853 establishes a meaningful process for resentencing individuals who have served at least 20 years in prison. The bill enables State’s Attorneys to petition for sentence reductions, mandates that judges consider victims’ perspectives if they choose to participate, and introduces a rebuttable presumption that individuals aged 60 or older, or those who have served at least 30 years, no longer present a public safety risk. FJP strongly supports the Maryland Second Look Act and urges the House Judiciary Committee to quickly advance this legislation to the full General Assembly.

February 7, 2025

Fair and Just Prosecution Condemns House Passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act

Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) strongly condemns the House’s passage of the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl (HALT) Act, a misguided bill that doubles down on the failed “War on Drugs” rather than advancing evidence-based solutions to the overdose crisis. The bill would permanently classify all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, expands mandatory minimum sentences, and lacks an offramp for substances that are inert or have potential medical value. This bill doubles down on failed, punitive drug policies rather than advancing evidence-based solutions that address the overdose crisis. The bill passed in a 312 – 108 vote and now moves on to the U.S. Senate.

Fair and Just Prosecution Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig issued the following statement in response to the House passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act:

“This bill isn’t about saving lives—it’s about political posturing at the expense of strengthening communities. Congress should focus on what actually works: treatment, harm reduction, and policies that stop overdoses, not jailing people. The Senate must reject this harmful legislation and focus on real solutions that save lives and create healthier communities, rather than just pretending they are solving the problem by criminalizing substance use – again.”