Legis Daily

New Pathways Act

USA119th CongressHR-8645| House 
| Updated: 4/30/2026
Bonnie Watson Coleman

Bonnie Watson Coleman

Democratic Representative

New Jersey

Cosponsors (7)
Danny K. Davis (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Al Green (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill amends the Second Chance Act of 2007 to significantly enhance support for individuals transitioning from federal custody or community confinement back into society. Its primary purpose is to ensure that these returning citizens are equipped with necessary identification documents, which are crucial for employment, housing, and accessing services. For United States citizen covered individuals , the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is mandated to provide a REAL ID-compliant photo identification card prior to their release. The BOP must also actively assist in obtaining a social security card and a document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. All these documents, once secured, will be provided to the individual upon the issuance of their photo identification card. Regarding noncitizen covered individuals , the bill requires the BOP Director to facilitate the acquisition of proof of lawful status in the United States from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For non-citizens not admitted for lawful permanent residence, assistance will also be provided to obtain an employment authorization document. This assistance includes helping individuals complete and submit the necessary USCIS forms and supporting documentation. Furthermore, the legislation addresses situations where documents cannot be obtained due to agency inaction or the individual's lack of authorization, requiring the BOP to provide written explanations. Finally, for direct-release prisoners , the bill ensures that a representative of the United States Probation System will help develop a comprehensive release plan upon request, further aiding their successful reintegration.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-2232
New Pathways Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-9348
New Pathways Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2919
New Pathways Act
Apr 30, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 30, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-2232
    New Pathways Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-9348
    New Pathways Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2919
    New Pathways Act


  • April 30, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 30, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

New Pathways Act

USA119th CongressHR-8645| House 
| Updated: 4/30/2026
This bill amends the Second Chance Act of 2007 to significantly enhance support for individuals transitioning from federal custody or community confinement back into society. Its primary purpose is to ensure that these returning citizens are equipped with necessary identification documents, which are crucial for employment, housing, and accessing services. For United States citizen covered individuals , the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is mandated to provide a REAL ID-compliant photo identification card prior to their release. The BOP must also actively assist in obtaining a social security card and a document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. All these documents, once secured, will be provided to the individual upon the issuance of their photo identification card. Regarding noncitizen covered individuals , the bill requires the BOP Director to facilitate the acquisition of proof of lawful status in the United States from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For non-citizens not admitted for lawful permanent residence, assistance will also be provided to obtain an employment authorization document. This assistance includes helping individuals complete and submit the necessary USCIS forms and supporting documentation. Furthermore, the legislation addresses situations where documents cannot be obtained due to agency inaction or the individual's lack of authorization, requiring the BOP to provide written explanations. Finally, for direct-release prisoners , the bill ensures that a representative of the United States Probation System will help develop a comprehensive release plan upon request, further aiding their successful reintegration.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-2232
New Pathways Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-9348
New Pathways Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2919
New Pathways Act
Apr 30, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 30, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-2232
    New Pathways Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-9348
    New Pathways Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2919
    New Pathways Act


  • April 30, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 30, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Bonnie Watson Coleman

Bonnie Watson Coleman

Democratic Representative

New Jersey

Cosponsors (7)
Danny K. Davis (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Al Green (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted