Second Chance Act (this year called the Fresh Start Act) was presented again in Congress for federal offenders
A member of Tennessee's federal representation introduced legislation again this year for federal offenders. This bill would impact federal offenders; the federal government cannot expungement, seal, or pardon state offenses. In a lot of states, the minimum waiting period is two (2) years, but at least someone in Congress is trying to get federal laws passed to remove criminal records for federal offenders. However, Records Removal Services has witnessed this proposed legislation be presented and defeated year after year.
Congressman Steve Cohen (D - Tennessee - District 9) today introduced the Fresh Start Act, legislation he authored to enable non-violent federal offenders who have served their sentences and who are now law-abiding, productive members of society to have their convictions expunged from their records. Congressman John Conyers (D - Michigan - District 14) is an original co-sponsor of the measure.
The Congressman unveiled the details of his measure at the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security hearing on "Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions: Barriers to Reentry for the Formerly Incarcerated." Under Congressman Cohen's bill, to be eligible for expungement an offender can not have committed any other state or federal offense, whether violent or non-violent, and must have met all the terms of his sentence.
The bill allows the United States Attorney for that District to submit recommendations to the court. However, the bill would exempt sex offenders and those who commit property or financial crimes worth more than $10,000.
