Second Look Act of 2026

Second-look relief for long federal sentences

If enacted, this bill would let a federal prisoner with an imposed term over 10 years who has served at least 10 years ask a court to reduce that sentence. The court would have to find the person is not a danger and ready for reentry and must consider 18 U.S.C. 3553(a) factors plus listed items like age, rehabilitation, BOP and U.S. attorney reports, victim statements, medical reports, and role in the offense. Applicants age 50 or older at filing would get a rebuttable presumption in favor of release. Indigent applicants would get an appointed lawyer at no cost for the motion and any appeal unless they expressly waive counsel. The bill would limit successive applications (second application not earlier than 5 years after a final denial; third not earlier than 2 years after a second-application order becomes final) and require supervised release consistent with section 3583. The Bureau of Prisons would have to give written notice within 30 days after the start of an eligible prisoner's 10th year. The bill would also add a technical change clarifying that courts may reduce sentences under the new authority. It would apply to federal convictions entered before, on, or after enactment.