The Council of State Governments (CSG), alongside the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, signed a joint letter urging Congress to reauthorize the Second Chance Act (SCA). This bipartisan legislation strengthens and expands reentry programs, offering essential services like career training, housing, childcare, and treatment for individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders.
In the letter, House and Senate judiciary committee leaders are encouraged to move forward with this vital legislation that empowers individuals, families and communities with resources to support the successful reintegration of those reentering society after incarceration.
The reauthorization legislation was introduced in the Senate on June 5 (S. 4477), led by Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Cory Booker, John Cornyn, Dick Durbin, Thom Tillis, Peter Welch, Kevin Cramer, and Amy Klobuchar. It was introduced in the House in April (H.R. 8028) by Representatives Carol Miller, Danny Davis, Kelly Armstrong, Sheila Jackson Lee, Bruce Westerman, Bobby Scott, Jerry Nadler, Mike Turner and Darin LaHood.
“The Second Chance Reauthorization Act represents a critical investment in our communities, empowering states and local governments to create pathways to rehabilitation and reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. It enables states to implement innovative programs that reduce recidivism rates and promote successful transitions, ultimately benefiting public safety.”
— Jay Nelson, National Director of Federal Affairs, The Council of State Governments
Since its inception in 2008, the Second Chance Act has supported reentry services for over 442,000 individuals. With more than 600,000 individuals returning home from prison each year, along with countless others exiting local jails, SCA programs are crucial in promoting public safety and reducing recidivism.
Reauthorizing the Second Chance Act will sustain essential programs to:
- Reauthorize key grant programs providing critical services for individuals reentering their communities post-incarceration.
- Expand resources for supportive and transitional housing services.
- Enhance addiction treatment services to include peer recovery, case management, and overdose prevention.
For more details on the Second Chance Reauthorization Act, visit here.