Ivey Leads Re-Introduction of Landmark Bipartisan Legislation Expanding Access to Expungement Laws

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) Madeleine Dean, (D-PA) and Barry Moore (R-AL), along with Senators Christopher Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced landmark bipartisan legislation, the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act, to expand access to expungement laws for non-violent, minor drug possession offenses.

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.

Current Law: 18 U.S.C. 3607, which was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, provides for the expungement of a simple possession offense if the defendant:

1) has no prior convictions for federal or state drug offenses;

2) satisfactorily completes pre-judgment probation;

3) has the proceedings against them dismissed by the court; and

4) was less than 21 years old at the time of the offense.

In its current form, the law provides young people found guilty of simple drug possession a second chance without the stigma of a federal conviction on their record. Studies show that more punitive criminal justice responses are not effective ways to deter drug use and that even short periods of incarceration lead to numerous unforeseen problems. Moreover, criminal records create big barriers to finding work, housing, and access to education, which are vital for individuals to make a new start and avoid recidivism.

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.

Sponsor: Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) Original Cosponsors and Co-Leads: Reps. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Barry Moore (R-AL) and Senators Christopher Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX)…

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…

“The R Street Institute is thrilled to support the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act because it will give a much needed second chance and a pathway to prosperity for many Americans that have reentered society. Studies have shown that people who obtain record relief experience improved employment outcomes and have lower recidivism rates. With public support for this issue at an all-time high, we applaud the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Glenn Ivey and Nathanial Moran on this legislation, and we urge more members of Congress to join them in this effort,” said Anthony Lamorena, Senior Federal Affairs Manager at the R Street Institute...