Expressing support for the designation of April 2026 as "Second Chance Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1173
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-28T08:06:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1173) expresses support for designating April 2026 as "Second Chance Month". It aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by people with criminal records after serving their sentences, promote values of redemption and second chances, and encourage actions to help them reintegrate into society.
Key Provisions
- Supports the designation of April 2026 as "Second Chance Month."
- Honors efforts by communities, government institutions, nonprofits, congregations, employers, and individuals to remove unnecessary legal and societal barriers (called collateral consequences) for people with criminal records.
- Calls on the public to observe the month through programs that:
- Promote awareness of these barriers.
- Provide opportunities for "closure" (e.g., reintegration support) for those who have completed their sentences.
The resolution includes a detailed preamble highlighting issues like employment and education barriers, housing restrictions, impacts on families and public safety, and references to prior laws such as the bipartisan First Step Act of 2018 and Second Chance Act of 2007.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution, not a law. It does not amend statutes, create mandates, or enforce changes.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and awareness-focused: May increase public discussion on reducing recidivism (repeat offenses) and supporting reentry, potentially leading to voluntary actions by employers, communities, and organizations.
- No direct effects on government agencies, funding, or international relations.
- Could indirectly benefit citizens with criminal records by encouraging more job opportunities, education access, and housing stability, especially in underserved communities.
Main Stakeholders
- Individuals with criminal records and returning citizens from prisons (millions affected, particularly in communities of color).
- Their families and communities, impacted by economic and social barriers.
- Employers, nonprofits (e.g., Prison Fellowship), congregations, and educational institutions providing reentry support.
- Government institutions at federal, state, and local levels involved in justice and reentry programs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing reentry programs but introduces no new rights, penalties, or obligations; collateral consequences (automatic restrictions like licensing bans) remain unchanged.
- Constitutional: No implications, as it aligns with values of human dignity without altering rights or due process.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (Democrats and Republicans) highlights broad consensus on criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism without partisan mandates. References historical figures like Charles Colson to emphasize redemption.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-04-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of April 2026 as "Second Chance Month". — issued 2026-04-14 — PDF (5 pages)