Brown, Scott, Carter Introduce Legislation to Improve Federal Reentry Grant Programs

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) have filed legislation to improve reporting requirements for federal reentry grant programs and encourage more federal agencies to adopt programs to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. The Recidivism Reduction Transparency Act would establish clear reporting requirements for Department of Justice (DOJ) adult and juvenile offender reentry grants and require the publication of best practice guides by the DOJ to encourage the development of similar demonstration projects.

“Supporting and improving reentry programs is a key component of criminal justice reform and building a more equitable society. We can’t help provide people with a second chance if we don’t invest in programs to support them upon reentry,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11). “That’s why it’s important to know if current grants are working, so we can continue to encourage best practices. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Scott and Congressman Carter to improve reporting and encourage development of additional successful reentry programs across the country.” 

“Robust and comprehensive reporting requirements are key to ensuring grant programs from the Second Chance Act are working as intended. The Recidivism Reduction Transparency Act will encourage successful societal re-entry, better enable grantees to replicate the positive results made by successful projects and help determine best practices for the future,” said Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3).

“The Recidivism Reduction Transparency Act takes a significant step in helping returning citizens successfully reintegrate into society, offering them the support and skills they need to break the cycle of recidivism. This legislation acknowledges the various challenges faced by those reentering society, such as mental health and substance abuse disorders, job placement, and housing transition, and offers a holistic approach to addressing these obstacles. I’m proud of this bill, which isn’t just a step towards reducing recidivism but also a significant contribution to criminal justice system reform, expanding opportunities for returning citizens as they strive for a second chance,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

Currently, reentry demonstration grants offered by the Department of Justice award eligible grantees with the funding needed to implement evidence-based projects that are geared toward reducing recidivism. However, existing requirements fail to provide an additional accountability net for the DOJ, leaving gaps in data reporting and progress tracking. Without clear reporting requirements, Congress and the public are unable to see the impact of grant programs on the formerly incarcerated or effectively measure performance outcomes. 

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