Second Chance Month Recognition Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Robert White

April 2026 is declared Second Chance Month in DC, recognizing returning citizens and promoting housing, employment, education, and civic participation to support reintegration.

Resolution ACR26-0145, Effective from Mar 31, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008463

Bill overview

Bill: CER 26-0148 (Second Chance Month Recognition Resolution of 2026)

Jurisdiction: District of Columbia

Type: Ceremonial resolution

Purpose: Officially recognize April 2026 as Second Chance Month in the District of Columbia and honor returning citizens (people reentering the community after incarceration) and their contributions.

Main purpose and intent

Acknowledges the resilience, dignity, and contributions of returning citizens in DC.

Affirms that individuals should not be defined by past criminal involvement and are entitled to dignity, equal opportunity, and full civic participation.

Signals the District’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities and reducing barriers for people returning from incarceration.

Key provisions and changes

Declaration of April 2026 as Second Chance Month in DC.

Sets forth a summary of supporting rationale, including:

The role of returning citizens as parents, workers, neighbors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
The belief that access to housing, employment, education, health care, and community support strengthens families and improves public safety.
Recognition of existing and past policy efforts to expand second chances (examples cited):
Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 (removing barriers and enhancing opportunities after involvement with the criminal legal system).
Access to Jobs Amendment Act of 2020 (expanding workforce and training opportunities for returning citizens).
Helping Children Impacted by Parental Incarceration Amendment Act of 2020 (support for families affected by incarceration).
Expansion of the Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (ORCA) to link returning residents with employment and services.

Emphasizes ongoing work to ensure fair housing, employment, education, and civic participation for returning citizens.

Recognition of community and organizational partners supporting reintegration (faith leaders, employers, advocates, service providers, etc.).

Who/what is affected

While primarily ceremonial, the resolution reflects and reinforces policy commitments affecting:

Returning citizens (residents reentering after incarceration).
Households and families impacted by incarceration.
Agencies and offices involved in reentry services (e.g., Office on Returning Citizen Affairs).
Community organizations and employers involved in supportive programs and pathways to employment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and subsequently adopted as a formal resolution.

Action history notes:

Introduced: March 30, 2026
Final readings and adoption: March 31, 2026
Referred/retained and approved with resolution number ACR26-0145 prior to final adoption (in line with the council’s processing)

Effective date: Immediate upon adoption (Sec. 3 states the resolution takes effect immediately).

Cited as: “Second Chance Month Recognition Resolution of 2026” (Sec. 2)

Expected impact

Symbolic and normative impact: Establishes April 2026 as Second Chance Month to raise awareness about reintegration challenges and progress, celebrate successes, and promote supportive policies.

Policy reinforcement: Highlights and honors existing DC laws and programs aimed at removing barriers and fostering opportunities for returning citizens.

Potential practical effects: Encourages partnerships among government agencies, employers, service providers, and community groups to support reentry and reduce barriers to housing, employment, and education.