Armstrong Helps Re-Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Access to Expungement Laws
WASHINGTON – Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) joined Representatives Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Madeleine Dean, (D-PA) and Barry Moore (R-AL), along with Senators Christopher Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) to introduce landmark bipartisan legislation, the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act, to expand access to expungement laws for non-violent, minor drug possession offenses.
“The Begin Again Act is smart criminal justice reform that reaffirms something important. Once someone serves their sentence, they should get a second chance. This bipartisan bill is proof that we can come together from across the aisle to make policies that will have a real impact on people’s lives,” said Congressman Kelly Armstrong.
” Re-Introducing the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act is an important step in restoring people’s ability to fully rejoin our community. Giving a second chance to folks who have made a mistake in their lives gives us a more productive populace, restores dignity to those whose hopes have been dashed and gives them more opportunities to own a home, start a business or build a career. Making amends for past mistakes and moving forward should be rewarded. That’s what this bipartisan bill does. That’s what over 22 national organizations support. Let’s get this done,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey.
The Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act H.R. 4598 will broaden eligibility for expungement under 18 U.S.C. 3607 by removing the age requirement, allowing judges to give people of any age with a minor possession offense a second chance to pursue a productive life.
H.R.4598 The Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act extends access to current law by removing the age cap to provide a meaningful benefit for all Americans, regardless of age. Additionally, older individuals are shown to have low levels of reoffending and are no less deserving of an opportunity for a second chance. Expanding eligibility for expungement of a simple possession offense to include individuals who were 21 or older at the time of the offense will reduce recidivism by giving more people the chance to turn their lives around without the impediment of a criminal record.
Group Support: Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Center for American Progress, Clean Slate Initiative, Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC), Dream.Org, Drug Policy Alliance, Due Process Institute, Faith and Freedom Coalition, Fraternal Order of Police, Justice Action Network, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration, Majority Cities Chiefs Association, NAACP, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National District Attorneys Association, Policing Project at NYU Law, Prison Fellowship, R Street Institute, Responsible Business Initiative for Justice.