Relative to Second Chance Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 60 co-sponsors

Designates April 2026 as Second Chance Month in California to raise awareness and promote reintegration, employment, housing, and reducing barriers for people with criminal records

In Senate. To Com. on RLS.

#secondchancemonth

1) Purpose and Intent

ACR 176, introduced by Assembly Member Elhawary, designates April 2026 as “Second Chance Month” in California.

The resolution expresses values of redemption, restorative justice, and the importance of second chances for individuals with criminal records.

It seeks to raise public awareness about the barriers faced by people returning from prison or jail and to encourage community, employer, and policy engagement to expand opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Proclamation: The bill proclaims the month of April 2026 as Second Chance Month in California.

Scope of Focus: Emphasizes the role of second chances in:

Gaining meaningful employment
Access to education and training
Housing and public benefits
Reducing collateral consequences that stem from having a criminal record
Community-based involvement, advocacy, and reform efforts

Rationale Highlighted:

It cites the large number of residents with criminal records (roughly 8 million in California) and the annual number of individuals returning from prison (around 35,000).
It notes barriers to employment, education, housing, and capital for starting businesses, and suggests improving reintegration can contribute to public safety and community well-being.

No New Funding or Regulatory Mandates: The measure does not introduce new spending, tax authority, or regulatory requirements. It is a ceremonial and awareness-raising resolution.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

Beneficiaries:

Individuals returning from prison or jail who face collateral consequences and barriers to reintegration.
Employers, educational institutions, housing providers, and community organizations that interact with returning citizens.
Communities disproportionately affected by the carceral system, particularly underserved communities of color.

General Public:

Increased awareness of rehabilitation, restorative justice, and the benefits of second chances.

Government:

California Legislature would officially recognize and promote Second Chance Month, potentially informing future policy discussions and public messaging.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: As of the bill’s latest actions:

Referred to Committee on Rules (RLS) on April 20, 2026.
Passed committee and ordered to Third Reading on April 20, 2026 (vote reported as 8 ayes, 0 nays).
History indicates introduction on April 15, 2026, with subsequent printer’s filing on April 16, 2026, and then committee actions.

Schedule Impact: The proclamation would apply specifically to April 2026 and serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than creating ongoing obligations or programs.

5) Supporting Information

Sponsors: Co-sponsor noted as Sade Elhawary.

Context: The resolution frames second chances as a public safety and economic opportunity issue, tying reintegration to employment, education, housing stability, and community well-being.

If you’d like, I can expand this with a comparison to similar Second Chance Month proclamations in other jurisdictions or provide talking points for a public briefing.

Bill