REDEEM Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (26 Apr 2017): Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
What this bill does
The REDEEM Act, introduced in the 115th Congress, would establish a process for individuals with certain federal nonviolent criminal records to petition for those records to be sealed. If a petition is granted, the offense, proceedings, conviction, or sentence would be treated as if they never occurred. The bill would also prohibit the use of room confinement for juvenile discipline, except in cases of immediate harm.
Additionally, the bill would remove possession and use of controlled substances as a disqualifier for federal welfare benefits under certain conditions, such as completing a substance abuse treatment program. It would also allow the Department of Justice to favor states with laws similar to these provisions when awarding grants for community-oriented policing.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 5, 2017, and has not advanced beyond that stage. If passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, it would become law.
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 2017 or the REDEEM Act
This bill creates a mechanism by which certain eligible individuals may file a petition to seal federal criminal records with respect to covered nonviolent offenses. If an individual is eligible for such a sealing order, the court must notify the person in writing of their potential eligibility. The bill establishes a set of rules and procedures for assessing a sealing petition. If granted, the offense, criminal proceeding, conviction, or sentence shall be treated as if it never occurred.
A judge shall issue a sealing order three years after the date on which a person is adjudicated delinquent for a juvenile nonviolent offense if certain conditions are met.
The use of room confinement (defined as involuntary placement of a juvenile alone in a cell) for discipline, other than a temporary response to a juvenile's behavior that presents harm to others, is prohibited.
The bill removes possession and use of controlled substance as a disqualifying activity under federal welfare laws. Further, the prohibition from access to federal welfare benefits for drug-related offenses shall not apply to persons who, among other things, have completed a certified substance abuse treatment program.
When awarding grants under the Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, the Department of Justice (DOJ) may give preference to states that have laws similar to this bill's provisions.
DOJ shall establish and enforce procedures to ensure the prompt release of accurate records exchanged for employment-related purposes through the records system created by this bill.
Timeline
26 Apr 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1906 do?
- The REDEEM Act, introduced in the 115th Congress, would establish a process for individuals with certain federal nonviolent criminal records to petition for those records to be sealed. If a petition is granted, the offense, proceedings, conviction, or sentence would be treated as if they never occurred. The bill would also prohibit the use of room confinement for juvenile discipline, except in cases of immediate harm. Additionally, the bill would remove possession and use of controlled substances as a disqualifier for federal welfare benefits under certain conditions, such as completing a substance abuse treatment program. It would also allow the Department of Justice to favor states with laws similar to these provisions when awarding grants for community-oriented policing. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 5, 2017, and has not advanced beyond that stage. If passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, it would become law.
- Has H.R. 1906 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1906. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1906?
- H.R. 1906 was sponsored by Rep. Cummings, Elijah E. [D-MD-7] (D-MD), with 9 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1906?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. (26 Apr 2017).
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