Statement From Arnold Ventures’ Kevin Ring on Probation Reform Legislation Passing in the Pennsylvania Legislature

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec 14, 2023) –Following passage SB 838, which reforms Pennsylvania’s probation system, Kevin Ring, vice president of criminal justice advocacy at Arnold Ventures, issued the following statement:

“We are excited that an overwhelming bipartisan majority voted last night to improve Pennsylvania’s broken, antiquated, and costly probation system. We know from the evidence that we can reduce the number, complexity, and onerousness of probation conditions without compromising community safety. We are grateful to the lawmakers who worked across the aisle to make this reform a reality, and to the more than 125 organizations, including those representing system stakeholders and impacted individuals, who supported its passage.” 

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy committed to improving the lives of American families, strengthening their communities, and promoting their economic opportunity by investing in research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems. Founded in 2010 by Laura and John Arnold as part of their Giving Pledge commitment to contribute their wealth to charitable causes during their lifetimes, the philanthropy’s focus areas include higher education, criminal justice, health, infrastructure, and public finance, advocating for bipartisan policy reforms that will lead to lasting, scalable change.