REFERENCE TITLE: support reentry; second chances

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

HR 2001

Introduced by

Representative Blackman

A RESOLUTION

supporting reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals and proclaiming april 2021 as second chance month in arizona.

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Whereas, roughly 96% of all incarcerated individuals will be released from prison, and smart reentry policies can help reduce recidivism rates and make the public safer; and

Whereas, every person is endowed with human dignity and value; and

Whereas, redemption and second chances are American values; and

Whereas, approximately 65 million Americans have a criminal record; and

Whereas, people who have a criminal record face significant barriers, including an inability to secure housing, meaningful employment or education or to volunteer in their community; and

Whereas, people with a criminal record often must pay for significant debt that arises as a result of their conviction and incarceration; and

Whereas, the Council of State Governments reports that the number of legal collateral consequences of a criminal conviction exceeds 48,000; and

Whereas, these barriers can contribute to recidivism, which increases victimization and decreases public safety; and

Whereas, these barriers result in lost human capital and lost economic output for the United States; and

Whereas, incarcerated individuals should have access to substance abuse treatment programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, educational programs, job training programs, evidence-based programs and mentorship programs conducted by nonprofits, faith-based organizations, private companies or government agencies in order to promote second chances and public safety; and

Whereas, opportunities to raise public awareness about the issues of collateral consequences and reentry should be embraced.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

      1.    That the Members of the House of Representatives support the development and implementation of sound reentry policies that promote public safety, reduce the recidivism rate and offer offenders second chances.

      2.    That the Members of the House of Representatives proclaim the month of April 2021 as Second Chance Month in the State of Arizona to raise awareness of the need for policies that address collateral consequences of criminal convictions.