MCALLEN – A Rio Grande Valley family could benefit from overcrowding at federal prisons. Thousands of inmates will get an early release.

The First Step Act went into effect Dec. 2018 to help reduce harsh prison sentencings, decrease prison populations and provide more programs to those convicted.

Carlos Garcia, an attorney, explained the act gives non-violent drug offenders with minimal criminal history the opportunity for reduced time.

A soon-to-be mother in the Valley is hopeful her father will be coming home much sooner than expected.

Garcia also mentioned the nine convicted members of the former Hidalgo County drug taskforce known as the Panama Unit may have a chance to get their sentences reduced.

Watch the video above for the full report.