Second Chance Month Recognition Resolution of 2026

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-148

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

March 31, 2026
To recognize the month of April 2026 as “Second Chance Month” in the District of Columbia
and to celebrate the resilience, dignity, and contributions of returning citizens in the
District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, thousands of District of Columbia residents return to their communities each
year after incarceration seeking the opportunity to rebuild their lives, reconnect with their
families, and contribute to the city they call home;

WHEREAS, returning citizens across the District demonstrate extraordinary resilience
and embody diverse roles as parents, workers, neighbors, entrepreneurs, and community
leaders—identities that far transcend any past involvement with the criminal legal system;

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia affirms that no individual should be forever defined
by a label such as “felon” but rather recognized as a full resident entitled to dignity, equal
opportunity, and full participation in civic life;

WHEREAS, when returning citizens are supported with access to housing, employment,
education, health care, and community support, families are strengthened, communities are
stabilized, and public safety is enhanced;

WHEREAS, despite their determination, many returning citizens continue to face barriers
to opportunity that make it more difficult to secure stable housing, meaningful employment, and
economic mobility;

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has taken meaningful steps to expand second
chances through legislation and policy initiatives that seek to remove barriers and create
pathways to opportunity for residents returning home from incarceration;

WHEREAS, examples of the District’s commitment to expanding second chances include
the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022, which strengthens opportunities for individuals to
move forward after involvement with the criminal legal system;

WHEREAS, the Council has also advanced policies such as the Access to Jobs
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Amendment Act of 2020, which expands workforce and training opportunities for returning
citizens;

WHEREAS, the District has recognized the impact incarceration has on families through
legislation such as the Helping Children Impacted by Parental Incarceration Amendment Act of
2020, which helps support children and families affected by incarceration;

WHEREAS, the Council has further demonstrated its commitment to expanding housing
opportunities and reducing barriers to stable housing for returning citizens;

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has continued to strengthen support for returning
citizens through the expansion of the Office on Returning Citizen Affairs, which works to
connect residents returning home from incarceration with employment opportunities, supportive
services, and resources that promote successful reintegration into the community;

WHEREAS, community organizations, faith leaders, employers, advocates, service
providers, and returning citizens themselves work tirelessly across the District of Columbia to
support successful reentry through mentorship, workforce development, housing assistance, and
community support;

WHEREAS, April is recognized nationwide as Second Chance Month, an opportunity to
raise awareness about the challenges faced by people returning from incarceration and to
celebrate the progress made by those who have worked hard to build new paths forward;

WHEREAS, recognizing Second Chance Month affirms the District of Columbia’s belief
that people are more than the worst mistake they have made and that every person deserves the
opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity, hope, and purpose;

WHEREAS, while the District has made meaningful progress, there is still more work to
do to ensure that returning citizens have fair access to housing, employment, education, and the
opportunity to fully participate in the life of their communities; and

WHEREAS, communities, organizations, advocates, and returning citizens in the District
of Columbia observe Second Chance Month each April to recognize the resilience of returning
citizens and to promote policies that support successful reentry and opportunity.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Second Chance Month Recognition Resolution of 2026”.

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Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia declares April 2026, as Second Chance
Month in the District of Columbia.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.