Civics 101: The Law Passed — So Why Is Nothing Changing?

Written by Melissa Bee

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Civics 101 | From the Staff

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June 10, 2025

This is part of our Civics 101 series — breaking down the structures behind the headlines.

What happens after a bill becomes law, and why most people still wait.

You did it. The bill passed. The president signed it. You throw some confetti and wait for the change to kick in.

But here’s the part they left out of Schoolhouse Rock:

Just because a law passes doesn’t mean it’s enforced, or that it helps the people who need it most.

Let’s break down what really happens after a bill becomes law, especially in the criminal legal system.

1. Implementation Isn’t Instant

Passing a law is just step one. Now agencies have to write the rules to carry it out.

That means departments like the DOJ (or state equivalents) have to interpret the law.
They create new policies, update procedures, and train staff.
That process takes time. Sometimes months or even years.

Worse, if a department doesn’t want to implement the law?
They can drag their feet, “interpret” it narrowly, or underfund enforcement.

2. Most Reforms Aren’t Retroactive

This is the heartbreak of justice reform.

Most new laws don’t apply to people already convicted under the old law.

Lawmakers often write reforms to avoid “letting people out.”
Retroactive application requires separate legislation — and political courage.
So the very people who fought hardest for reform… get nothing.

📌 Example: California changed its Three Strikes law in 2012. But it took another separate campaign (Prop 36) to allow people already sentenced to apply for release.

3. Courts Can Still Gut It

Any new law can be challenged in court — and many are.

Judges can strike down all or part of it.
Opponents often sue to block reforms, especially those reducing prison time or expanding rights.

Even if the law survives, court decisions can weaken its impact.

4. The Law Exists, But So Do Barriers

Prosecutors may not use new resentencing tools.
Prison officials may “lose” applications or stall reviews.
People inside often don’t even know they’re eligible.

Without advocates and watchdogs, new laws can sit on the books collecting dust.

Why It Matters

People say “just change the law” like that’s the end of the story.

But the people most harmed by bad laws are often excluded from the reforms that follow.
And when a new law takes effect, it still needs funding, enforcement, outreach, and oversight.

🗣️ Have a civic question you want us to cover? Want to break down a specific law or policy?
Comment below, or share your idea with us here.
See all Civics 101 posts here.

⏩ Forward This Post – Someone in your life needs to understand this.

👉 Missed Part I? Start here – How a Bill Becomes a Law.

🗣️ Share Your Story – How has incarceration or policy shaped your life?