What does Preamble of New Pathways Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the Second Chance Act of 2007. The proposed amendment would require identification for returning citizens. The bill is referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

What does SHORT TITLE. of New Pathways Act do?

This bill is formally titled the New Pathways Act.

What does IDENTIFICATION FOR RETURNING CITIZENS. of New Pathways Act do?

This section amends Section 231(b) of the Second Chance Act of 2007 to address identification and release assistance for federal prisoners. It defines terms such as 'community confinement,' 'direct-release prisoner,' 'noncitizen covered individual,' and 'United States citizen covered individual.' The Director of the Bureau of Prisons is directed to provide a photo identification card to United States citizen covered individuals prior to their release from imprisonment or community confinement. The Director is also required to assist in obtaining necessary documents, such as social security cards and proof of citizenship, for United States citizen covered individuals. For noncitizen covered individuals, the Director shall assist in obtaining proof of lawful status and, if applicable, an employment authorization document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If documents cannot be obtained due to agency inaction or lack of individual authorization, the Director must provide a written explanation. Upon issuance of an identification card or receipt of documents, those items must be provided to the covered individual. At the request of a direct-release prisoner, a representative of the United States Probation System shall assist in developing a release plan.

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New Pathways Act

Last updated: 4/30/2026 · Introduced: 4/30/2026

Author: Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates the Bureau of Prisons to provide photo identification cards to U.S. citizen former prisoners before their release.
It requires the Bureau of Prisons to assist former prisoners, both citizens and non-citizens, in obtaining essential documents like social security cards, proof of citizenship, or employment authorization.
The bill allows for assistance from the United States Probation System in developing release plans for former prisoners upon request.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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