WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 7

April 2026 Second Chance Month

2026 Regular Session

Designate April 2026 as Second Chance Month to raise awareness of collateral consequences and mobilize actions to remove barriers for people with criminal records.

Signed by the President of the Senate
#generalassembly
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 7

Summary of Colorado Senate Resolution SR26-007 (SR 7, 2026 Session)

Note: This is a non-binding concurrent resolution designating a month and promoting awareness, not a bill that changes state law.

Bill at a Glance

  • Title: SR26-007 — Designating April 2026 as Second Chance Month
  • Jurisdiction: Colorado
  • Session: 2026 (Seventy-fifth General Assembly, Second Regular Session)
  • Type: Senate Resolution (recognition and urging actions; no direct statutory changes)
  • Sponsor(s): Senate sponsor Marchman; overall sponsorship and committees listed in the bill metadata

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution designates April 2026 as Second Chance Month in Colorado.
  • It aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records, particularly the “second prison” – collateral consequences that extend beyond formal imprisonment.
  • It encourages communities, governmental entities, nonprofits, employers, and individuals to take action to remove unnecessary collateral consequences and support second chances for those who have paid their debt.

Key Provisions and Provisions (What the Resolution Calls For)

  • The resolution:
    1. Designates April 2026 as Second Chance Month in Colorado.
    2. Honors stakeholders—communities, government agencies, nonprofits, congregations, employers, and individuals—who work to remove unnecessary collateral consequences that hinder reintegration and productive citizenship for people with criminal records.
    3. Encourages public observance and participation in actions and programs that promote awareness of the “second prison” and promote second chances for individuals who have repaid their debts.

Definitions and Concepts Emphasized

  • The text defines collateral consequences as legal/regulatory restrictions, non-criminal penalties, and social barriers that persist after a conviction.
  • Examples of collateral consequences discussed include barriers to employment, public benefits, housing, education, licensure, and civic participation (e.g., voting, volunteering).

Who Is Affected

  • While the resolution itself does not alter laws, it foregrounds the impact on:
    • Individuals with criminal records (who face collateral consequences)
    • Employers, policymakers, and service providers who can influence or remove barriers
    • Communities and families affected by recidivism and economic consequences

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Date of Introduction and Action: The resolution was introduced in 2026 and had a planned third reading with potential laid-over action on April 21, 2026.
  • Status Indicators: As of the action history, the resolution proceeded through the Senate with no amendments noted; a third reading was laid over to a specific date.

Potential Impact

  • By designating Second Chance Month, the resolution aims to:
    • Increase public awareness of collateral consequences and their impact on public safety and economic vitality.
    • Encourage alignment among state actors and organizations to reduce unnecessary restrictions on people with criminal records.
    • Promote initiatives and programs that facilitate reintegration, employment, housing, education, and civic participation for returning community members.
  • Though non-binding, it could influence future policy discussions and encourage public-private partnerships focused on second chances.

Summary

SR26-007 designates April 2026 as Second Chance Month in Colorado to highlight and reduce collateral consequences faced by individuals with criminal records and to mobilize efforts across government, nonprofits, employers, and communities to support reintegration and second chances. It explicitly calls for awareness, collaboration, and actions that remove unnecessary barriers for those who have paid their debt to society.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.