Senate Committee Approves Ex-Offender Legislation

Via St. Luke

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S.1231), a bipartisan proposal that addresses barriers faced by those exiting the prison system, by a vote of 10 to 8. The bill, sponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Rob Portman (R-OH,) would provide resources to state and local governments, and community-based organizations to assist with reintegrating ex-offenders back into communities.

If passed, the bill would:

• a.. Extend the original grant program authorized under the Second Chance Act for five years
• b.. Provide incentives for inmates to participate in recidivism reduction programs
• c.. Require periodic audits of grantees
• d.. Enhance accountability measures for grantees by requiring periodic audits, Prohibiting funds from being held in offshore accounts, and transparency around compensation for nonprofit executives