REDEEM Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (2 Sep 2014): Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
What this bill does
The Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment Act of 2014, also known as the REDEEM Act, would create a process for sealing or expunging federal records related to nonviolent or juvenile offenses. For nonviolent offenses, courts would need to weigh factors such as the harm caused by the information's availability to a person's ability to find and keep a job. The bill also sets limits on how long individuals can be held in juvenile detention facilities.
This bill affects individuals with records of nonviolent or juvenile offenses, aiming to improve their employment prospects by making it easier to seal or expunge these records. Additionally, it would amend laws to prevent certain drug offenses from making individuals ineligible for programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provided the individual is addressing a substance abuse disorder and complies with court requirements. Employment services would also be protected from denial under these programs.
H.R. 5158 was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 2014 by Representative Chaka Fattah. As of the provided information, the bill's status is "Introduced," meaning it is in the early stages of the legislative process. It was referred to multiple committees for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment Act of 2014 or the REDEEM Act - Amends the federal criminal code to provide a process for the sealing or expungement of records relating to nonviolent or juvenile offenses.
Requires a court considering a petition to seal a nonviolent offense to balance factors including the harm of the protected information to the ability of the petitioner to secure and maintain employment.
Sets forth limitations on involuntary room confinements at juvenile detention facilities.
Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) to remove offenses relating to possession or use of a controlled substance from the categories of drug offenses that result in the convicted individual being ineligible for assistance under: (1) a state program funded with temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) grants under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act; or (2) the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program) or any state program carried out under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
Prohibits the denial of such assistance and benefits if the convicted individual: (1) committed an offense related to a substance abuse disorder, (2) participates in a substance abuse treatment program, and (3) complies with all court-imposed obligations. Includes employment services among the categories of federal benefits that are not to be denied under PRWORA. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow the Attorney General, in awarding public safety and community policing grants, to give preferential consideration to an applicant in a state with laws similar to this Act.
Timeline
2 Sep 2014
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5158 do?
- The Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment Act of 2014, also known as the REDEEM Act, would create a process for sealing or expunging federal records related to nonviolent or juvenile offenses. For nonviolent offenses, courts would need to weigh factors such as the harm caused by the information's availability to a person's ability to find and keep a job. The bill also sets limits on how long individuals can be held in juvenile detention facilities. This bill affects individuals with records of nonviolent or juvenile offenses, aiming to improve their employment prospects by making it easier to seal or expunge these records. Additionally, it would amend laws to prevent certain drug offenses from making individuals ineligible for programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provided the individual is addressing a substance abuse disorder and complies with court requirements. Employment services would also be protected from denial under these programs. H.R. 5158 was introduced in the House of Representatives in July 2014 by Representative Chaka Fattah. As of the provided information, the bill's status is "Introduced," meaning it is in the early stages of the legislative process. It was referred to multiple committees for consideration.
- Has H.R. 5158 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 5158. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5158?
- H.R. 5158 was sponsored by Rep. Fattah, Chaka [D-PA-2] (D-PA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5158?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. (2 Sep 2014).
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