Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
A resolution designating April 2025 as "Second Chance Month".
A Democratic resolution with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2610; text: 3/31/2025 CR S2096)
Adopted
The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.
Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Adopted by the Senate unanimous consent
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This resolution designates April 2025 as "Second Chance Month." It highlights the challenges faced by individuals returning from prison who deal with automatic legal and societal barriers, known as collateral consequences. The text notes that these barriers can make it hard to find jobs, housing, and education, which can lead to higher rates of returning to crime. It honors the work done by various groups to remove these unnecessary barriers. Finally, it calls on the American people to observe the month through actions that promote awareness and provide closure for individuals with criminal records who have paid their debt.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +3
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The resolution notes that collateral consequences particularly impact underserved communities of color.
- Scored +2
Does this make housing cost less?
The resolution addresses barriers to housing that affect individuals returning from prison.
- Scored +2
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?
Removing barriers to employment and housing can help reduce poverty for returning citizens and their families.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
The resolution designates April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" under the resolved section, which aims to increase public awareness about the impact of collateral consequences and encourages opportunities for employers and communities to extend second chances to individuals with criminal records. This could help people leaving prison find better support to rebuild their lives.
-
The text honors the work of communities, governmental institutions, nonprofit organizations, congregations, employers, and individuals who remove unnecessary legal and societal barriers preventing people with criminal records from becoming productive members of society, as stated in the resolved section. Recognizing these groups encourages continued assistance for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking employment and housing.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific provisions, sections, or requirements that create negative consequences, burdens, or penalties for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The resolution notes that collateral consequences particularly impact underserved communities of color. Does this make housing cost less? — The resolution addresses barriers to housing that affect individuals returning from prison. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Removing barriers to employment and housing can help reduce poverty for returning citizens and their families. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — By addressing housing barriers, the resolution indirectly targets factors contributing to housing instability.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The resolution specifically mentions addressing the disproportionate impact on underserved communities of color. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improving reentry opportunities can help uplift low-income families affected by incarceration. Would children be better off under this? — The resolution notes that economic instability for parents can impact children for generations. Would students be better off under this? — The resolution highlights the importance of education and access to training for successful reentry.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The resolution aims to reduce barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated individuals, which can support job growth. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By promoting successful reentry, the bill aims to improve the economic mobility of millions of citizens.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The resolution highlights barriers to educational funding for individuals with criminal records.
- 4/28/2025
- Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2610; text: 3/31/2025 CR S2096)
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 4/1/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland