WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

K 1202

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as Second Chance Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Khaleel Anderson

Calls on the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Second Chance Month to raise awareness and promote reintegration opportunities for people with criminal records.

ADOPTED
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · K 1202

Summary of Bill: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as Second Chance Month (K 1202)

Basic information

  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Bill type: Assembly Resolution
  • Resolution number: A. 1202
  • Sponsor: Assembly Member Anderson (Co-sponsor: Khaleel Anderson)
  • Action history:
    • Referred to calendar: 2026-04-24
    • Adopted: 2026-04-27

Purpose and main intent

The bill memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim April 2026 as Second Chance Month in New York State, aligning with the observance of National Second Chance Month. The resolution emphasizes a commitment to supporting individuals who have been formerly incarcerated as they reintegrate into society.

Key provisions

  • Official proclamation request: The resolution asks the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Second Chance Month in New York.
  • Purpose of Second Chance Month: To raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with criminal records and to promote opportunities for reintegration, including prevention, diversion, reentry, trauma-informed care, culturally specific services, and social support.
  • Focus areas highlighted:
    • Addressing root causes of crime and needs of returning citizens
    • Reducing barriers to employment and education
    • Promoting policies and programs that improve public safety while facilitating second chances
  • Recognition of stakeholders: Calls attention to the roles of communities, governmental institutions, non-profits, congregations, employers, and individuals in removing unnecessary barriers to reintegration.
  • Public awareness and action: Encourages observance of Second Chance Month through programs and actions that highlight challenges faced by those who have paid their debts and promote opportunities for “second chances.”

Who/what is affected

  • Government: The Governor (Executive branch) is requested to issue the proclamation.
  • Society and institutions: While symbolic in nature, the resolution references broad stakeholders (communities, government agencies, non-profits, employers, congregations) as targets for awareness and action.
  • Individuals with criminal records: Beneficiaries of expanded awareness and potential policy changes that reduce barriers to employment, education, housing, and other forms of reintegration.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • The resolution is a memorialization; if adopted, it would prompt the Governor to issue a proclamation designating April 2026 as Second Chance Month.
  • The observed month aligns with National Second Chance Month (observed nationally in April).
  • The 19th Anniversary of the Second Chance Act of 2007 falls within the month (April 9, 2026), used to contextualize the national framework for reentry services.

Significance

  • The bill is largely symbolic, aiming to elevate public awareness and encourage state-level and community actions to support successful reintegration for individuals with criminal records.
  • It underscores core values of redemption, dignity, and second chances while highlighting the importance of reducing employment and educational barriers.

If you’d like, I can compare this resolution to prior years or provide context on Second Chance Month activities and related New York policy discussions.

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

Sign in to ask a question.