The Second Chance Act (Fact Sheet)
Nearly all of the 2.2 million people incarcerated in the United States will be released at some point. People who are returning to their communities after prison or jail have complex challenges and needs that contribute to the likelihood that they may be reincarcerated. Since 2009, more than 800 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofits for reentry programming designed to provide services that can help reduce recidivism and increase public safety.
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services…
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In April 2025, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a package of bipartisan criminal justice legislation into law,…
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A bipartisan group of 88 lawmakers, led by Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Danny Davis (D-IL), wrote a…
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Apply Now for Resident Analyst Program to Increase Data Analysis Capacity at Departments of Corrections
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services to the incarcerated population, and coordinating with other agencies.
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Explainer: How a New Law in Arkansas Tackles Crime, Recidivism, and Community Supervision Challenges
In April 2025, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a package of bipartisan criminal justice legislation into law, which is designed to increase public safety and improve community supervision. The legislation passed nearly unanimously.
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Bipartisan Group of 88 Lawmakers Push for Continued Funding for Reentry and Recidivism Programs
A bipartisan group of 88 lawmakers, led by Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Danny Davis (D-IL), wrote a letter calling for continued funding for the Second Chance Act in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
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Explainer: North Dakota’s New Youth Fitness-to-Proceed Law
Last month, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a landmark bill to change how courts handle cases involving youth with mental health concerns or who lack the developmental maturity to understand the court process.
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Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduces Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025
Today, Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Carol Miller (D-WV) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL) introduced the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 in both the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
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Bipartisan Group of 66 Lawmakers Support Continued Funding for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program
A bipartisan group of 66 lawmakers, led by Congressmen Don Bacon (R-NE) and Bobby Scott (D-VA), wrote a letter calling for continued funding for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
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