This past year has been one of meaningful progress for the Commission. Marked not only by what we accomplished, but by how we came together to move the Compact forward.

Across our work, one theme stood out: a willingness to take a hard look at where we are,  challenge long-standing practices, and embrace change. That mindset positioned ICAOS to meet the demands of today’s supervision landscape and better demonstrate the impact of our work across states.

Among the most significant milestones this year was the adoption of a new tagline: Public Safety. Shared Responsibility. Better Outcomes. More than a change in language, it reflects how the Compact has evolved. Moving beyond establishing a national framework to strengthening how states collaborate, make decisions, and achieve results.

We also advanced one of the most important areas of our work: how we respond to violations and approach retaking decisions. The development of the violation response tool brings evidence-based practices into Compact decision-making, helping states evaluate both risk and stability. This approach supports more informed, consistent, and outcome-focused decisions, aligning our processes with how supervision is practiced in the field today.

At the same time, we continued to invest in the systems that support this work. Progress toward a fully modernized national data system reflects years of thoughtful planning and collaboration. While the launch of a redesigned website improves access to resources, training, and communication for states. These are not just technology upgrades; they are practical improvements that make the Compact easier to navigate and more effective in practice.

None of these accomplishments happened in isolation. They reflect the dedication, expertise, and engagement of Commissioners, Deputy Compact Administrators, committee members, the National Office, and staff across the country. Your willingness to lean into change, ask hard questions, and work collaboratively with transparency continues to move this Compact forward.

As we look ahead, the work before us is just as important. The focus now turns to implementation and bringing these efforts to life in a way that is meaningful and sustainable. This next phase will require the same level of partnership and leadership that defined this past year. These efforts are not an endpoint, but a continuation of our work to advance as a Commission.

I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and even more proud to work alongside a group so committed to advancing our shared mission.

We often describe the Commission’s work in terms of progress, and this past year certainly reflects that. But that progress was possible only because of our shared commitment to moving forward together.

Across the Commission, we have taken on complex work: examining processes, challenging assumptions, and offering solutions that better align the Compact with broader corrections practices. This work has required time, collaboration, meaningful input, and a shared commitment to change.

What stands out most is not any single accomplishment, but the way we approached the work. Commissioners, Deputy Compact Administrators, committee members, and staff contributed their perspectives, asked difficult questions, and worked through issues with thoughtful decision making. That engagement is what sustains the Compact.

This year’s efforts have laid important groundwork, from advancing a more structured approach to violation response, to preparing for a modernized national system, to refining how we communicate our purpose and impact. Every change reflects a Commission that is evolving.

The work ahead is equally important. Implementation will require continued coordination, communication, and support across states. It will take the same level of partnership that has brought us to this point, along with a shared duty to carry these efforts forward in practice.

The strength of the Compact has always been its members. Collaboration across states, a willingness to engage, and a commitment to doing this work well are what make progress possible.

Thank you for your continued dedication and leadership. It is a privilege to support this work and to serve alongside each of you.

This year, the workgroup launched a six-month pilot with nine states using real Compact cases to test the tool and provide feedback. The pilot generated valuable discussion and helped refine both the tool and the proposed rule language supporting its use. If adopted, the amendments would formally incorporate the Violation Response Tool into the Compact process.

This work has involved difficult conversations and differing perspectives, but the workgroup remains focused on the same question that started this effort: how can the Commission better support consistent decision-making, public safety, and successful supervision outcomes across states?

At its core, the committee’s goal is to keep the Compact operationally strong by ensuring it is consistently applied across the country. More importantly, the committee’s approach remains proactive rather than reactive by identifying issues early, addressing concerns before they escalate, and helping states succeed before problems become larger compliance matters.

The 2025 Annual Business Meeting brought the Compact community together in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a week of collaboration, discussion, and connection. It was an honor for Puerto Rico to host Commissioners, Deputy Compact Administrators, Ex Officio members, and partners from across the country to share the island’s culture, hospitality, and commitment to the work of ICAOS.

Throughout the week, members conducted the official business of the Commission, including approving the FY27 budget and voting on 20 proposed rule amendments, 19 of which were adopted. Attendees also participated in breakout sessions, town hall discussions, and presentations addressing emerging issues, operational challenges, and evolving practices in community supervision.

The Commission concluded Fiscal Year 2026 in a stronger financial position than originally projected. Capital assessment revenue collected for the INSITE implementation, combined with project expenditures that were lower than anticipated during the fiscal year, resulted in higher year-end reserve and investment balances. These funds will carry forward to support the remaining INSITE implementation costs in Fiscal Year 2027.

The charts illustrate the Commission’s revenues, expenses, and reserve and investment balances over the past five fiscal years, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to responsible financial stewardship and long-term investment in initiatives that support member states and strengthen the Compact.