REDEEM Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (29 Apr 2015): Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
What this bill does
The REDEEM Act, introduced in the 114th Congress, proposes changes to federal law regarding criminal records and access to public benefits. It would establish a process for sealing or expunging records of nonviolent federal offenses. For individuals seeking to seal a record, courts would consider factors such as the harm the record might cause to employment prospects.
The bill also addresses limitations on room confinement in juvenile detention facilities. Additionally, it would amend provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) to prevent certain drug-related convictions from making individuals ineligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This would not apply if the individual is participating in substance abuse treatment, is a custodial parent, pregnant, ill, or complying with their sentence.
The REDEEM Act also includes provisions for the Department of Justice to give preferential consideration for community policing grants to states with laws similar to this Act. It would also direct the DOJ to create procedures for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's background check system to ensure prompt release of accurate records for employment, requiring consent for record sharing and allowing individuals to challenge their records. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 26, 2015, and its latest action is "Introduced."
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 2015 or the REDEEM Act
Amends the federal criminal code to provide a process for the sealing or expungement of records relating to nonviolent criminal 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) has completed, is participating in, or agrees to enroll in a substance abuse treatment program; (2) is a custodial parent; (3) is suffering from a serious illness; (4) is pregnant; or (5) is in compliance with the terms of a sentence imposed for the conviction. 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 Department of Justice (DOJ), in awarding public safety and community policing grants, to give preferential consideration to an applicant in a state with laws similar to this Act.
Directs DOJ to establish procedures for the prompt release of accurate records exchanged for employment-related purposes through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's background check system. Requires DOJ to: (1) obtain the consent of an individual to whom a record pertains as a condition to exchanging records with an entity requesting the information for employment, housing, or credit application purposes; and (2) allow individuals to challenge the accuracy and completeness of their records.
Timeline
29 Apr 2015
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1672 do?
- The REDEEM Act, introduced in the 114th Congress, proposes changes to federal law regarding criminal records and access to public benefits. It would establish a process for sealing or expunging records of nonviolent federal offenses. For individuals seeking to seal a record, courts would consider factors such as the harm the record might cause to employment prospects. The bill also addresses limitations on room confinement in juvenile detention facilities. Additionally, it would amend provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) to prevent certain drug-related convictions from making individuals ineligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This would not apply if the individual is participating in substance abuse treatment, is a custodial parent, pregnant, ill, or complying with their sentence. The REDEEM Act also includes provisions for the Department of Justice to give preferential consideration for community policing grants to states with laws similar to this Act. It would also direct the DOJ to create procedures for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's background check system to ensure prompt release of accurate records for employment, requiring consent for record sharing and allowing individuals to challenge their records. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 26, 2015, and its latest action is "Introduced."
- Has H.R. 1672 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1672. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1672?
- H.R. 1672 was sponsored by Rep. Fattah, Chaka [D-PA-2] (D-PA), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1672?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. (29 Apr 2015).
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