NAMI NEWS: The Second Chance Act? What IS it and WHY should we care?

Senate Judiciary Committee Passes the Second Chance Act 

On Thursday September 18, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee by a bipartisan vote of 13 to 5 passed legislation to reauthorize the Second Chance Act at $100 million. 

The Second Chance Act, S. 1690, helps youth and adults reentering communities after serving time in jail or prison, including offenders living with mental illness. 

This bill provides funding for mental health and substance use treatment as well as employment and housing supports―critical components of recovery for people with these illnesses. 

Without these vital services and supports, these individuals are at risk of cycling back to jail and prison. 

It does what the title says, it gives them a Second Chance.

What you can do to help?

We encourage you to contact your Senators and ask them to co-sponsor and support this important bipartisan bill.


First, see if your Senators are a co-sponsors. 
If your Senators support the bill thank them and if they do not support this bill ask them to support and to become a co-sponsor. 

Either way, please email your Senators now.