Assembly adopts resolution recognizing April as Second Chance Month

SACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly on March 25 adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 176, designating April as Second Chance Month and recognizing people returning from incarceration who have contributed to their communities.

Assemblymember El Hawari, the resolution’s author, framed the measure as an effort to spotlight the obstacles that people face after incarceration — including difficulty accessing housing, education and employment — and to promote trauma‑informed supports. “Second Chance Month is about highlighting how meaningful getting another chance can be for those returning home from incarceration,” El Hawari said on the Assembly floor.

The resolution cites examples of system‑impacted people who have gone on to organize and support others. El Hawari recounted the work of Linda Gomez Evans and others who ran healing circles and founded community groups to advocate for policy change. He asked colleagues to add their names as coauthors and to support the measure.

Assemblymember Ta said he supported the resolution and connected it to a pending policy proposal he has worked on to encourage hiring formerly incarcerated people. “That is why I introduced AB 1565, which would give job opportunities for formerly incarcerated people by giving small businesses a tax credit for hiring them,” Ta said, noting the bill was held in committee this year but remains a point of legislative interest.

Assemblymember Brian emphasized the civic contributions of incarcerated people, including response work during wildfires, and urged the Assembly to pair recognition with policies that expand opportunities for people who have been system impacted.

Clerk records show 55 coauthors were added during the roll for coauthors; the Assembly then took a voice vote and the presiding officer declared ACR 176 adopted.

After adoption, the author asked the Assembly to recognize honorees in the gallery. El Hawari read the names of several individuals who have worked as mentors, counselors and advocates after incarceration and noted combined years served by groups of honorees to underscore the scale of the life changes represented.

The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new statutory authority or funding. It acknowledges community organizations and individuals engaged in reentry and restorative programs and signals legislative support for expanding access to services and employment for people returning from prison and jail.