He didn't need to evolve because even in 1994 he was saying the bill was too harsh on crime. He voted for it just for the Violence Against Women Act. And now in 2019, everyone's saying what he said in 1994. Crime bill sucked but for the Violence Against Women Act
https://www.vox.com/2016/2/26/11116412/bernie-sanders-mass-incarceration
But it is also my view that through the neglect of our government and through a grossly irrational set of priorities, we are dooming today tens of millions of young people to a future of bitterness, misery, hopelessness, drugs, crime, and violence. And, Mr. Speaker, all the jails in the world — and we already imprison more people per capita than any other country — and all of the executions … in the world will not make that situation right.
We can either educate or electrocute. We can create meaningful jobs, rebuilding our society, or we can build more jails. Mr. Speaker, let us create a society of hope and compassion, not one of hate and vengeance.
I have a number of serious problems with the crime bill, but one part of it that I vigorously support is the Violence Against Women Act. We urgently need the $1.8 billion in this bill to combat the epidemic of violence against women on the streets and in the homes of America.