---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 3633"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "3633"
heading: "Evidence-based recidivism reduction program and recommendations"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/3633"
units:
  - "Part II — Criminal Procedure"
  - "Chapter 229 — Postsentence Administration"
  - "Subchapter D — Risk and Needs Assessment System"
---

# §3633. Evidence-based recidivism reduction program and recommendations

- (a) **In General.—** Prior to releasing the System, in consultation with the Independent Review Committee authorized by the First Step Act of 2018, the [Attorney General](/usc/18/3077.md?p=7) shall—
  - (1) review the effectiveness of [evidence-based recidivism reduction programs](/usc/18/3635.md?p=3) that exist as of the date of enactment of this subchapter in prisons operated by the Bureau of Prisons;
  - (2) review available information regarding the effectiveness of [evidence-based recidivism reduction programs](/usc/18/3635.md?p=3) and [productive activities](/usc/18/3635.md?p=5) that exist in [State](/usc/18/3077.md?p=5)-operated prisons throughout the United States;
  - (3) identify the most effective [evidence-based recidivism reduction programs](/usc/18/3635.md?p=3);
  - (4) review the policies for entering into evidence-based recidivism reduction partnerships described in [section 3621(h)(5)](/usc/18/3621.md?p=h-5); and
  - (5) direct the Bureau of Prisons regarding—
    - (A) [evidence-based recidivism reduction programs](/usc/18/3635.md?p=3);
    - (B) the ability for faith-based organizations to function as a provider of educational evidence-based programs outside of the religious classes and services provided through the Chaplaincy; and
    - (C) the addition of any new effective [evidence-based recidivism reduction programs](/usc/18/3635.md?p=3) that the [Attorney General](/usc/18/3077.md?p=7) finds.
- (b) **Review and Recommendations Regarding Dyslexia Mitigation.—** In carrying out [subsection (a)](#a), the [Attorney General](/usc/18/3077.md?p=7) shall consider the prevalence and mitigation of [dyslexia](/usc/18/3635.md?p=1) in prisons, including by—
  - (1) reviewing statistics on the prevalence of [dyslexia](/usc/18/3635.md?p=1), and the effectiveness of any programs implemented to mitigate the effects of [dyslexia](/usc/18/3635.md?p=1), in prisons operated by the Bureau of Prisons and [State](/usc/18/3077.md?p=5)-operated prisons throughout the United States; and
  - (2) incorporating the findings of the [Attorney General](/usc/18/3077.md?p=7) under paragraph (1) of this subsection into any directives given to the Bureau of Prisons under [paragraph (5)](#a-5) of subsection (a).

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 115–391, title I, § 101(a), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5204.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The First Step Act of 2018, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 115–391, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5194. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2018 Amendment note under section 1 of this title and Tables.

The date of enactment of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 115–391, which was approved Dec. 21, 2018.