Congresswoman Carol Miller and Congressman Danny K. Davis have reintroduced the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025, aimed at renewing essential reentry grant programs from the original Second Chance Act of 2008. This legislation seeks to support efforts in housing, career training, job placement, and treatment for substance use disorders and mental health.
The bill is designed to reduce recidivism rates by investing in communities and promoting public safety. It acknowledges that over 95% of the prison population will eventually be released, with more than 600,000 individuals returning annually to their communities from prison.
“Since the Second Chance Act passed in 2008, formerly incarcerated West Virginians reentering our communities have received the vital services and support they needed to return home successfully,” said Rep. Miller. She emphasized the importance of strong reentry programming in creating safer communities.
Rep. Davis highlighted the impact of these programs: “Second Chance reentry programs and services have reached hundreds of thousands of individuals and families across the country, creating healthier families and safer communities.”
Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Capito and Booker.
Joining Representatives Miller and Davis are several other lawmakers including Darin LaHood, Lucy McBath, Bruce Westerman, Hank Johnson, Laurel Lee, Bobby Scott, Don Bacon, Nydia Velásquez, Lloyd Smucker, Shontel Brown, Mike Turner, Pramila Jayapal, Barry Moore, and Andre Carson.
“As a former federal prosecutor,” stated Rep. LaHood, “I understand the importance of accountability to the law but also believe that individuals deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
Rep. McBath noted her previous bipartisan efforts: “Last month I was honored to work with colleagues across the aisle to declare April as Second Chance Month.”
Rep. Westerman stressed reducing recidivism rates: “It is incredibly important to create pathways for incarcerated Arkansans and Americans who have paid their debt to society.”
Rep. Johnson expressed his support for funding programs that assist returning citizens: “Thousands of citizens return from incarceration to our communities every year.”
The bill also has backing from organizations such as the Council of State Governments Justice Center and others focused on justice reform.
The act aims to enhance addiction treatment services for those with substance use disorders while expanding housing service uses for individuals reentering society from incarceration.
Since its inception 16 years ago under President Bush’s administration with bipartisan support in Congress—last renewed by President Trump—the Second Chance Act has awarded over 1,300 grants through various agencies across states nationwide supporting justice-involved individuals participating in parole or probation programs.
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