PROCLAIMING APRIL 2025 AS "SECOND CHANCE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Brown & Sen. Richardson & Rep. Cooke & Rep. K. Johnson

Sens. Hansen, Hoffner, Sokola, Townsend; Reps. Heffernan, Minor-Brown, Morrison, Ortega, Osienski, Snyder-Hall, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 31

PROCLAIMING APRIL 2025 AS "SECOND CHANCE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their lives, reach their fullest potential, and become productive members of society; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 77 million Americans have a criminal record, and more than 600,000 individuals return to their communities from state and federal prisons each year; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 153,000 Delawareans have criminal conviction records, and about 2,145 Delawareans are released from prison each year; and

WHEREAS, individuals returning from prison often struggle to find housing, employment, or regain voting rights as a result of their conviction and incarceration; and

WHEREAS, mass incarceration and failed criminal justice policies have emphasized imprisonment over rehabilitation and prevention for years, resulting in nearly 1 in 3 American adults, and nearly 1 in 3 adult Delawareans, having a criminal record; and

WHEREAS, the stigma and legal barriers associated with a criminal record results in lost human capital and lost economic output for the United States; and

WHEREAS, reducing barriers contributes to public safety by reducing recidivism, increasing the economic well-being of entire communities, and allowing individuals the opportunity to seek a better life for themselves and their families and to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way; and

WHEREAS, gaining meaningful employment is one of the most significant predictors of successful reentry and reducing future criminal activity; and

WHEREAS, Delaware’s criminal justice reform efforts have expanded the availability of juvenile and adult expungements, limited criminal prosecution of children under age 12, ended the publication of juvenile mugshots, provided funding for counseling and vocational training to keep juveniles out of the criminal justice system, required electronic recording of custodial interrogation by law enforcement, expanded the ability of the Delaware Department of Justice to review law enforcement use-of-force incidents, increased judicial discretion in the stacking of sentences, and lessened restrictions on professional licensure occupations; and

WHEREAS, many system-impacted individuals are still not aware of the opportunities available due to criminal justice reforms; and

WHEREAS, focusing on prevention, reentry, and social support, rather than incarceration, ensures that America is a land of second chances and opportunity for all people; and

WHEREAS, Second Chance Month increases public awareness about the need for closure for those who have paid their debts to society and provides an opportunity for individuals, employers, congregations, and communities to extend second chances to those with criminal records; and

WHEREAS, on March 29, 2024, President Biden proclaimed April 2024 as Second Chance Month and called for observance of the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly previously declared April 2024 as Second Chance Month and wishes to continue its recognition of this important issue in 2025.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 2025 is hereby recognized as “Second Chance Month” in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution proclaims April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Brown