hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Designates April 2026 as 'Fair Chance Jobs Month' and supports related efforts.
Senator Markey (D-MA) and 9 Senate co-sponsors.
Introduced in the Senate, awaits committee review.
This Senate resolution expresses support for designating April 2026 as 'Fair Chance Jobs Month.' It also supports efforts to help people with past convictions find stable jobs, housing, and healthcare, while working to remove barriers to employment. Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) introduced the resolution, which has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for consideration. As a resolution, it expresses the Senate's official opinion but does not become a public law.
Introduced Apr 29, 2026
This resolution was introduced in the Senate on April 29, 2026, and immediately referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. For it to advance, the committee would need to consider and approve it. If passed by the full Senate, this resolution would express the Senate's official position but would not proceed to the House of Representatives or the President, as it is not a bill intended to become law.
If this resolution passes, you might see more programs designed to help people who have been incarcerated get job skills and find employment. There could be increased efforts to remove obstacles like licensing restrictions that prevent them from working in certain fields. Additionally, employers might be more encouraged to consider job applicants with past convictions, and there could be more public information about jobs open to them. This resolution also supports efforts to ensure access to stable housing and healthcare for these individuals.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue that fair-chance employment helps people re-enter society, reduces crime, and strengthens the workforce by utilizing untapped talent.
Critics Say
No direct opposition is stated within the resolution's text itself, as it focuses on expressing support for a specific initiative.
The resolution's 'whereas' clauses highlight numerous reasons for supporting fair-chance hiring. Supporters point to the millions of Americans with arrest or conviction records who face significant obstacles to employment, housing, and healthcare, leading to high rates of joblessness and recidivism. They argue that supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in finding stable, well-paying jobs can lead to a more robust workforce, reduce crime rates, and heal communities impacted by mass incarceration. The resolution also notes that employers can benefit from tax credits for hiring these individuals.