Amanda Watford
@amandavhernan.bsky.social
criminal justice reporter @stateline.org & @statesnewsroom.com | she/her | bilingüe
https://stateline.org/author/amanda-watford/
https://stateline.org/author/amanda-watford/
Reposted by Amanda Watford
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social: Families of Black homicide victims in the United States are more likely than any other group to seek financial assistance through state victim compensation programs — and they are the most likely to be denied, according to a new study.
stateline.org/2025/11/12/b...
stateline.org/2025/11/12/b...
Black homicide victims’ families most likely to be denied compensation • Stateline
Families of Black homicide victims in the United States are more likely than any other group to seek financial assistance through state victim compensation programs — and they are the most likely to b...
stateline.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:50 PM
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social: Families of Black homicide victims in the United States are more likely than any other group to seek financial assistance through state victim compensation programs — and they are the most likely to be denied, according to a new study.
stateline.org/2025/11/12/b...
stateline.org/2025/11/12/b...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
A provision significantly limiting the sale of intoxicating hemp products made its way into legislation to reopen the federal government just a day before the Senate approved the bill. Its inclusion follows years of pressure from states and the marijuana industry.
stateline.org/2025/11/12/c...
stateline.org/2025/11/12/c...
Congress pushes hemp crackdown after pressure from states, marijuana industry • Stateline
A provision significantly limiting the sale of intoxicating hemp products made its way into legislation to reopen the federal government. Its inclusion follows years of pressure from states and the ma...
stateline.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
A provision significantly limiting the sale of intoxicating hemp products made its way into legislation to reopen the federal government just a day before the Senate approved the bill. Its inclusion follows years of pressure from states and the marijuana industry.
stateline.org/2025/11/12/c...
stateline.org/2025/11/12/c...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
From Amanda Watford: The Federal Communications Commission voted to roll back limits on how much companies can charge incarcerated people and their families for phone and video calls.
https://stateline.org/2025/11/11/fcc-allows-prisons-jails-to-charge-more-for-phone-and-video-calls/
https://stateline.org/2025/11/11/fcc-allows-prisons-jails-to-charge-more-for-phone-and-video-calls/
FCC allows prisons, jails to charge more for phone and video calls • Stateline
The Federal Communications Commission voted to roll back limits on how much companies can charge incarcerated people and their families for phone and video calls. The 2-1 vote in late October reverses rate caps the FCC adopted last year under a 2023 law that allows the agency to set limits on prison phone and video call […]
stateline.org
November 12, 2025 at 12:38 PM
From Amanda Watford: The Federal Communications Commission voted to roll back limits on how much companies can charge incarcerated people and their families for phone and video calls.
https://stateline.org/2025/11/11/fcc-allows-prisons-jails-to-charge-more-for-phone-and-video-calls/
https://stateline.org/2025/11/11/fcc-allows-prisons-jails-to-charge-more-for-phone-and-video-calls/
Reposted by Amanda Watford
From Amanda Hernández: States are moving in sharply different directions on the death penalty, with some looking to broaden when and how executions occur while others try to scale them back.
https://stateline.org/2025/11/06/states-death-penalty-policies-are-heading-in-sharply-different-directions/
https://stateline.org/2025/11/06/states-death-penalty-policies-are-heading-in-sharply-different-directions/
States’ death penalty policies are heading in sharply different directions • Stateline
States are moving in sharply different directions on the death penalty, with some looking to broaden when and how executions occur while others try to scale them back or end them entirely.
stateline.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM
From Amanda Hernández: States are moving in sharply different directions on the death penalty, with some looking to broaden when and how executions occur while others try to scale them back.
https://stateline.org/2025/11/06/states-death-penalty-policies-are-heading-in-sharply-different-directions/
https://stateline.org/2025/11/06/states-death-penalty-policies-are-heading-in-sharply-different-directions/
Reposted by Amanda Watford
THREAD 🧵
On Nov. 7, we’re launching Stories From The States, a new weekly podcast designed to help you make sense of the dizzying swirl of news happening in our country.
On Nov. 7, we’re launching Stories From The States, a new weekly podcast designed to help you make sense of the dizzying swirl of news happening in our country.
October 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM
THREAD 🧵
On Nov. 7, we’re launching Stories From The States, a new weekly podcast designed to help you make sense of the dizzying swirl of news happening in our country.
On Nov. 7, we’re launching Stories From The States, a new weekly podcast designed to help you make sense of the dizzying swirl of news happening in our country.
Reposted by Amanda Watford
This year, at least four states have considered legislation aimed at expanding penalties for exhibition driving and street takeovers, Amanda Hernández reports.
https://stateline.org/2025/10/08/illegal-street-takeovers-with-stunts-and-noise-are-growing-as-states-try-to-crack-down/
https://stateline.org/2025/10/08/illegal-street-takeovers-with-stunts-and-noise-are-growing-as-states-try-to-crack-down/
Illegal street takeovers — with stunts and noise — are growing as states try to crack down • Stateline
Illegal street takeovers, where drivers block roads to perform stunts, have become an increasing concern in cities across the country.
stateline.org
October 8, 2025 at 1:05 PM
This year, at least four states have considered legislation aimed at expanding penalties for exhibition driving and street takeovers, Amanda Hernández reports.
https://stateline.org/2025/10/08/illegal-street-takeovers-with-stunts-and-noise-are-growing-as-states-try-to-crack-down/
https://stateline.org/2025/10/08/illegal-street-takeovers-with-stunts-and-noise-are-growing-as-states-try-to-crack-down/
Today, the U.S. Department of Justice is expected to release the list of states and localities that may lose federal funding under Trump’s executive orders on cashless bail. But what does “cashless bail” actually mean? I break it down in my latest for @stateline.org:
stateline.org/2025/09/23/c...
stateline.org/2025/09/23/c...
Cashless bail, explained: What it is, how it works and why Trump is targeting it • Stateline
Dozens of jurisdictions, including some states, have taken steps to change their bail systems, but there is no single definition of what constitutes “bail reform” or how such changes are applied.
stateline.org
September 24, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Today, the U.S. Department of Justice is expected to release the list of states and localities that may lose federal funding under Trump’s executive orders on cashless bail. But what does “cashless bail” actually mean? I break it down in my latest for @stateline.org:
stateline.org/2025/09/23/c...
stateline.org/2025/09/23/c...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
When President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening to withhold funding from places with “cashless bail” policies, he escalated a national fight over how courts decide who should remain behind bars before trial.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/09/23/c...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/09/23/c...
Cashless bail, explained: What it is, how it works and why Trump is targeting it • Stateline
Dozens of jurisdictions, including some states, have taken steps to change their bail systems, but there is no single definition of what constitutes “bail reform” or how such changes are applied.
stateline.org
September 23, 2025 at 1:31 PM
When President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening to withhold funding from places with “cashless bail” policies, he escalated a national fight over how courts decide who should remain behind bars before trial.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/09/23/c...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/09/23/c...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
Police agencies nationwide are lowering education requirements to address staffing shortages. The NYPD and the Dallas Police Department changed their standards this year, joining a national trend that now also includes the FBI and ICE.
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/09/03/p...
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/09/03/p...
Police agencies lower education standards as staffing shortages persist • Stateline
More police agencies, from big-city departments to federal agencies, are lowering education standards for new recruits — a sign of how much the profession is changing as it struggles to recruit and re...
stateline.org
September 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Police agencies nationwide are lowering education requirements to address staffing shortages. The NYPD and the Dallas Police Department changed their standards this year, joining a national trend that now also includes the FBI and ICE.
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/09/03/p...
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/09/03/p...
Summer heat is bearing down on U.S. prisons, where temperatures in uncooled cells can climb into the triple digits. Some state prison systems are adding air conditioning, but many facilities remain years away from upgrades. Read more in my latest for @stateline.org.
stateline.org/2025/08/20/e...
stateline.org/2025/08/20/e...
Extreme heat in prisons brings more legal challenges, pressure on states • Stateline
Facing growing pressure from advocacy groups, lawsuits and climate projections that show hotter days ahead, some state prison systems are moving to install air conditioning and expand cooling measures...
stateline.org
August 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Summer heat is bearing down on U.S. prisons, where temperatures in uncooled cells can climb into the triple digits. Some state prison systems are adding air conditioning, but many facilities remain years away from upgrades. Read more in my latest for @stateline.org.
stateline.org/2025/08/20/e...
stateline.org/2025/08/20/e...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
States have regulated kratom for years, and now the feds want in. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pushing to ban 7-OH, a powerful compound found in some kratom products.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/08/11/k...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/08/11/k...
Kratom faces increasing scrutiny from states and the feds • Stateline
States have regulated kratom for years, and now the feds want in. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pushing to ban 7-OH, a powerful compound found in some kratom products.
stateline.org
August 11, 2025 at 1:21 PM
States have regulated kratom for years, and now the feds want in. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is pushing to ban 7-OH, a powerful compound found in some kratom products.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/08/11/k...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/08/11/k...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social: New York began offering free phone calls to people incarcerated in its state prisons, becoming the sixth state to do so.
stateline.org/2025/08/01/n...
stateline.org/2025/08/01/n...
New York becomes latest state to offer free phone calls in prisons • Stateline
New York will offer free phone calls to people incarcerated in its state prisons starting Aug. 1, becoming the sixth state to do so.
stateline.org
August 4, 2025 at 5:29 PM
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social: New York began offering free phone calls to people incarcerated in its state prisons, becoming the sixth state to do so.
stateline.org/2025/08/01/n...
stateline.org/2025/08/01/n...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
U.S. families lose nearly $350 billion each year due to the incarceration of a loved one in jail or prison, according to a recent report from a criminal justice advocacy group.
The latest from @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/08/04/u...
The latest from @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/08/04/u...
US families shoulder nearly $350B in annual costs tied to incarceration, report finds • Stateline
U.S. families lose nearly $350 billion each year due to the incarceration of a loved one in jail or prison, according to a recent report from the criminal justice advocacy group FWD.us. The estimate i...
stateline.org
August 4, 2025 at 7:39 PM
U.S. families lose nearly $350 billion each year due to the incarceration of a loved one in jail or prison, according to a recent report from a criminal justice advocacy group.
The latest from @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/08/04/u...
The latest from @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/08/04/u...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
Police officers may face hundreds of traumatic incidents over the course of their careers, but many still hesitate to seek mental health support when they need it.
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/07/28/s...
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/07/28/s...
Stigma still keeps police from seeking mental health care, study finds • Stateline
Police officers may face hundreds of traumatic incidents over the course of their careers, but many still hesitate to seek mental health support when they need it.
stateline.org
July 29, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Police officers may face hundreds of traumatic incidents over the course of their careers, but many still hesitate to seek mental health support when they need it.
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/07/28/s...
From @amandavhernan.bsky.social:
stateline.org/2025/07/28/s...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
Delays in forensic testing are stalling prosecutions, stretching court calendars and forcing impossible choices.
Now, state and local crime labs may face steep federal funding cuts that could further delay justice for victims.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/07/21/f...
Now, state and local crime labs may face steep federal funding cuts that could further delay justice for victims.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/07/21/f...
Forensic crime labs are buckling as new technology increases demand • Stateline
As the need for forensic testing grows, state and local crime labs may face steep federal funding cuts that could further delay justice for victims, derail criminal investigations and overwhelm alread...
stateline.org
July 21, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Delays in forensic testing are stalling prosecutions, stretching court calendars and forcing impossible choices.
Now, state and local crime labs may face steep federal funding cuts that could further delay justice for victims.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/07/21/f...
Now, state and local crime labs may face steep federal funding cuts that could further delay justice for victims.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/07/21/f...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
Stand-your-ground laws, which are in effect in more than half of U.S. states, are associated with higher homicide rates, increased racial disparities in legal outcomes and broader public costs, according to a new report.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/07/21/s...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/07/21/s...
Stand-your-ground laws linked to higher homicide rates, new report finds • Stateline
Stand-your-ground laws, which are in effect in more than half of U.S. states, are associated with higher homicide rates, increased racial disparities in legal outcomes and broader public costs, accord...
stateline.org
July 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Stand-your-ground laws, which are in effect in more than half of U.S. states, are associated with higher homicide rates, increased racial disparities in legal outcomes and broader public costs, according to a new report.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/07/21/s...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/07/21/s...
@stateline.org is looking to improve how we serve you with state policy news. Got a few minutes? We’d love your input in this short audience survey: forms.gle/QCzktYPFxdPd...
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forms.gle
July 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
@stateline.org is looking to improve how we serve you with state policy news. Got a few minutes? We’d love your input in this short audience survey: forms.gle/QCzktYPFxdPd...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
So many people are jailed for low-level crimes.
Stateline's @amandavhernan.bsky.social wrote about the holistic defense approach that gives people something the traditional system often doesn’t: A path forward.
stateline.org/2025/06/10/h...
Stateline's @amandavhernan.bsky.social wrote about the holistic defense approach that gives people something the traditional system often doesn’t: A path forward.
stateline.org/2025/06/10/h...
How client advocates are quietly reshaping criminal defense • Stateline
Across the country, a quiet change in public defense is giving people something the traditional system often doesn't: a path forward. Client advocates are helping people avoid incarceration, access tr...
stateline.org
June 10, 2025 at 4:55 PM
So many people are jailed for low-level crimes.
Stateline's @amandavhernan.bsky.social wrote about the holistic defense approach that gives people something the traditional system often doesn’t: A path forward.
stateline.org/2025/06/10/h...
Stateline's @amandavhernan.bsky.social wrote about the holistic defense approach that gives people something the traditional system often doesn’t: A path forward.
stateline.org/2025/06/10/h...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
A quiet change in public defense is giving people something the traditional system often doesn't: a path forward, @amandavhernan.bsky.social reports.
stateline.org/2025/06/10/h...
stateline.org/2025/06/10/h...
How client advocates are quietly reshaping criminal defense • Stateline
Across the country, a quiet change in public defense is giving people something the traditional system often doesn't: a path forward. Client advocates are helping people avoid incarceration, access tr...
stateline.org
June 10, 2025 at 1:40 PM
A quiet change in public defense is giving people something the traditional system often doesn't: a path forward, @amandavhernan.bsky.social reports.
stateline.org/2025/06/10/h...
stateline.org/2025/06/10/h...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
Via @amandavhernan.bsky.social and @stateline.org: The study found those who received cash payments were significantly less likely to violate parole than those who did not. In the first six months after release, parole violations fell by more than 41%, with violent parole violations dropping by 64%.
Cash assistance may curb recidivism among people leaving prison, study says | Alabama Reflector
Within the first six months after release, parole violations fell by more than 41%, with violent parole violations dropping by 64%.
alabamareflector.com
May 14, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Via @amandavhernan.bsky.social and @stateline.org: The study found those who received cash payments were significantly less likely to violate parole than those who did not. In the first six months after release, parole violations fell by more than 41%, with violent parole violations dropping by 64%.
Reposted by Amanda Watford
When Karina Lariz left a California prison in 2021, she had no savings, no job and no home. A nearly $2,500 reentry stimulus helped her rebuild — and new research shows it could help others avoid reincarceration.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/05/14/c...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/05/14/c...
Cash assistance may curb recidivism among people leaving prison, study says • Stateline
A new study found that offering direct aid led to a sharp drop in parole violations — especially violent ones — within just six months.
stateline.org
May 14, 2025 at 1:15 PM
When Karina Lariz left a California prison in 2021, she had no savings, no job and no home. A nearly $2,500 reentry stimulus helped her rebuild — and new research shows it could help others avoid reincarceration.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/05/14/c...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/05/14/c...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
While states across the country are strengthening anti-trafficking laws and support for survivors, federal funding cuts could threaten efforts to support victims.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/05/06/s...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/05/06/s...
States push to combat human trafficking amid federal funding cuts • Stateline
States across the country are ramping up efforts to combat human trafficking. But a wave of federal funding cuts threatens to undermine the very programs survivors rely on most.
stateline.org
May 6, 2025 at 1:16 PM
While states across the country are strengthening anti-trafficking laws and support for survivors, federal funding cuts could threaten efforts to support victims.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/05/06/s...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/05/06/s...
Reposted by Amanda Watford
More states are enacting bans on “Glock switches,” small devices about the size of a U.S. quarter that can turn semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/04/23/s...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/04/23/s...
States move to outlaw popular ‘Glock switches’ that make some guns fully automatic • Stateline
More states are enacting bans on “Glock switches,” small devices about the size of a U.S. quarter that can turn semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds...
stateline.org
April 23, 2025 at 12:39 PM
More states are enacting bans on “Glock switches,” small devices about the size of a U.S. quarter that can turn semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute.
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/04/23/s...
@amandavhernan.bsky.social reports:
stateline.org/2025/04/23/s...
Private immigration detention is growing fast — again. The Trump administration is rapidly expanding immigration detention through billion-dollar contracts with private companies.
Read more in my latest for @stateline.org.
stateline.org/2025/04/11/f...
Read more in my latest for @stateline.org.
stateline.org/2025/04/11/f...
For-profit immigration detention expands as Trump accelerates his deportation plans • Stateline
The Trump administration is rapidly expanding immigration detention through billion-dollar contracts with private prison companies.
stateline.org
April 11, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Private immigration detention is growing fast — again. The Trump administration is rapidly expanding immigration detention through billion-dollar contracts with private companies.
Read more in my latest for @stateline.org.
stateline.org/2025/04/11/f...
Read more in my latest for @stateline.org.
stateline.org/2025/04/11/f...