U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) on May 21 led colleagues on both sides of the aisle in proposing a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at tackling the nation’s recidivism rates.
The lawmakers each sponsored the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025, S. 1843/H.R. 3552, to reauthorize reentry grant programs from the Second Chance Act of 2008, as well as programs to reduce recidivism, invest in communities, and promote public safety.
“Over 95 percent of incarcerated people will be released at some point,” Sen. Capito said. “The Second Chance Reauthorization Act will help people reentering society get the resources they need to become productive and successful members of their communities.
“Whether it’s helping them find a job, providing therapy and rehabilitation services for those struggling with addiction, providing faith-based programming to help people turn over a new leaf, or many other services, this legislation will help provide resources to a wide range of programs across the country that have been proven to reduce recidivism rates,” added the senator.
Sen. Capito introduced S. 1843 alongside 12 original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC). Rep. Miller led H.R. 3552 with 15 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Danny Davis (D-IL), Don Bacon (R-NE), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), and Mike Turner (R-OH).
“Since the Second Chance Act passed in 2008, formerly incarcerated West Virginians reentering our communities have received the vital services and support they needed to return home successfully,” said Rep. Miller. “When we put in place strong reentry programming, we are creating safer communities where individuals feel supported and empowered to break the cycle of recidivism.”
If enacted, the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize key grant programs that provide vital services, supports, and resources for people reentering their communities after incarceration; expand allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for individuals reentering the community from prison and jail; and enhance addiction treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders, including peer recovery services, case management, and overdose prevention, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
The measure has garnered support from numerous organizations, including the American Correctional Association, the American Jail Association, the Correctional Leaders Association, the Council of State Governments Justice Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among several others.