Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB2994

Introduced
4/28/23  

Caption

Returning Home Act

Impact

The act proposes using federal grants to fund various housing assistance initiatives for formerly incarcerated individuals. Grants may cover up to 24 months of rental assistance, stipends for family members housing these individuals, and supportive services that include pre-release planning, document collection, housing counseling, and assistance in accessing mental health and employment services. By emphasizing a comprehensive approach to reentry, the bill aims to reduce recidivism rates and improve societal reintegration outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 2994, titled the 'Returning Home Act', seeks to address the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. The bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish the 'Reentry Rental Assistance and Housing Services Grant Program'. This program aims to provide financial assistance and supportive services to individuals who were previously incarcerated, helping them secure stable housing as they reintegrate into their communities.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention surrounding the implementation of such financial assistance. Critics may raise concerns regarding eligibility criteria, the effectiveness of the support services provided, and the long-term sustainability of funding these programs. Supporters argue that these initiatives are critical for promoting social justice and reducing homelessness among those affected by the criminal justice system, while opponents may question the allocation of federal resources and whether they could be better utilized elsewhere.

Companion Bills

US HB2944

Same As Drone Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB4792

Childhood Offenders Rehabilitation and Safety Act of 2023 CONNECT Act Childhood Outcomes Need New Efficient Community Teams

US HB51

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the admission of the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the United States. The commonwealth consists of all the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding certain federal property. The excluded property shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of federal government; it includes the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, and the federal office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and Capitol Building. In addition, the bill maintains the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property and prohibits the commonwealth from taxing federal property except as permitted by Congress. Within 30 days of this bill's enactment, the DC mayor must call for the election of two Senators and one Representative for the commonwealth. The commonwealth shall be admitted into the United States upon a presidential proclamation announcing the results of that election. The bill applies current DC laws to the commonwealth and continues pending judicial proceedings. It also continues certain federal authorities and responsibilities, including regarding employee benefits, agencies, and courts, until the commonwealth certifies that it is prepared to take over those authorities and responsibilities. Further, the bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution to repeal the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (which allows DC citizens to vote in presidential elections). The bill also establishes a commission to advise the President, Congress, and DC and commonwealth leaders on the transition.

US HB3194

U.S. Citizenship Act Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act

US HB3599

DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023 Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2023 American Promise Act Transnational Criminal Organization Prevention and Elimination Act Protecting Sensitive Locations Act Dream Act Legal Workforce Act American Prosperity and Competitiveness Act H–2B Returning Worker Exception Act American Dream and Promise Act Border Security for America Act

US HB5145

WISE Act of 2023 Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment Act of 2023

US HB2954

Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act

US HB3646

Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2023

US HB5601

MORE Act Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act

US HB2374

New Way Forward Act

US HB5182

Child Online Safety Modernization Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US HB3019

Federal Prison Oversight Act

US SB1401

Federal Prison Oversight Act

US SB1165

Reentry Act of 2023

US HB2954

Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act

US HB2400

Reentry Act of 2023

US HB56

Reforming Alternatives to Incarceration and Sentencing to Establish a Better Path for Youth Act of 2023 or the RAISE Act of 2023 This bill modifies requirements and procedures related to the sentencing, confinement, and release of youth who are involved in the federal criminal justice system. The term youth means an individual who is prosecuted or sentenced for a criminal offense committed at age 21 or younger. The bill modifies federal sentencing options for youth, including by allowing courts to depart from the statutory mandatory minimum for certain nonviolent offenses, to reduce the prison term of a youth who has completed 20 years of the sentence, and to treat as discretionary a sentence of imprisonment for life. Additionally, it requires the Bureau of Prisons to separately designate youth correctional facilities, minimize contact between youth and other offenders, and establish programs regarding youth education, skills training, reentry, and mental and emotional health. Finally, the bill promotes reentry and reintegration into the community, including by providing an early release option for youth offenders who complete one half or more of their prison term and meet certain criteria; authorizing home confinement for a longer period of time; limiting the maximum prison term for technical violations of probation; establishing pilot programs for mentorship, government service, and animal service; and establishing pilot programs for diversion of high-risk, victimized, and primary caretaker youth.

US HB3646

Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2023

US SB518

Correctional Facilities Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2023