September 23, 2021–Due Process Institute joined a coalition of varied perspectives on a range of issues to urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to pass and support the bipartisan Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act. This legislation would remove the age requirement for those seeking an expungement order for first-time federal drug possession offenses.
This legislation is a smart, carefully crafted means to alleviate the collateral consequences associated with a criminal record and that it will help individuals get back to work and make communities safer. Far too often, punishment does not end once a sentence is completed, but rather has a lasting impact for subsequent years and in many cases a lifetime. A criminal record results in thousands of collateral consequences affecting individuals’ and families’ everyday lives that are often overlooked by the public and the judiciary. Even misdemeanor offenses can have serious implications on an individual’s ability to find steady employment, obtain housing, and access public assistance.
Congress now has the opportunity to join this growing movement with the introduction of this meaningful legislation. It offers a tailored approach to lowering recidivism rates, increasing public safety, and providing second chances so people can contribute to society at their greatest potential. The Senate Judiciary Committee continued bipartisan leadership on criminal justice reform issues is encouraging and we strongly support another step in this direction by the swift passage of the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act.