REDEEM Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (5 Apr 2017): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
The REDEEM Act would create a process for certain individuals to petition a federal court to seal their records related to nonviolent offenses. If a petition is granted, the offense and related proceedings would be treated as if they never happened. The bill also proposes a change regarding the use of room confinement for juveniles and would alter federal welfare laws to remove certain prohibitions related to drug offenses for individuals who have completed substance abuse treatment.
This legislation primarily affects individuals with federal nonviolent criminal records, allowing them to seek the sealing of those records. It would also impact juveniles by prohibiting certain disciplinary confinement practices. Additionally, the bill could influence states by offering preferences for certain grants to those with laws similar to its provisions.
The REDEEM Act was introduced in the Senate in April 2017 and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not progressed further in the legislative process.
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
5 Apr 2017
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does S. 827 do?
- The REDEEM Act would create a process for certain individuals to petition a federal court to seal their records related to nonviolent offenses. If a petition is granted, the offense and related proceedings would be treated as if they never happened. The bill also proposes a change regarding the use of room confinement for juveniles and would alter federal welfare laws to remove certain prohibitions related to drug offenses for individuals who have completed substance abuse treatment. This legislation primarily affects individuals with federal nonviolent criminal records, allowing them to seek the sealing of those records. It would also impact juveniles by prohibiting certain disciplinary confinement practices. Additionally, the bill could influence states by offering preferences for certain grants to those with laws similar to its provisions. The REDEEM Act was introduced in the Senate in April 2017 and was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not progressed further in the legislative process.
- Has S. 827 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 827. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 827?
- S. 827 was sponsored by Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY] (R-KY), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 827?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (5 Apr 2017).
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