Next Step Home Act

Government Operations and Politics

senate

house

president

Introduced on April 30, 2024 by Laphonza Romanique Butler

Legislation Details

Establishes the Next Step Home Act to secure Federal voting rights for individuals released from incarceration under the First Step Act.
Finds that the recidivism rate for beneficiaries of the First Step Act is significantly lower than the overall rate and that extending voting rights can further reduce recidivism.
Asserts that basic constitutional principles and various amendments support the right to vote for citizens, including those with criminal convictions.
Highlights the discrepancies in state laws regarding voting rights for individuals with felony convictions, with varying degrees of restrictions across states.
Notes that disenfranchised individuals are still counted for representation purposes in Congress and the Electoral College.
Defines “covered individual” as someone who has completed a sentence for a Federal criminal law conviction after December 21, 2018, and meets other specific criteria related to their release or sentence adjustments.
Specifies that the right to vote in Federal elections shall not be denied to covered individuals who are citizens of the United States.
Allows the Attorney General to take civil action to remedy violations of the Act and provides a private right of action for aggrieved persons.
Requires notification of restoration of voting rights to covered individuals upon release from incarceration or sentencing.

Last updated 10/7/2024