Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and Representatives Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Barry Moore (AL-02), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL) in reintroducing the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act. Senators Christopher Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the legislation in the Senate.

The current law, signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, allows the expungement of a simple possession offense if the defendant meets certain qualifications, such as under the age of 21 at the time of the offense, no prior federal or state drug offenses, satisfactory completion of pre-judgment probation, and had proceedings against them dismissed by the court. The Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act (HR 4598) eliminates the age cap under 18 U.S.C. 3607, expanding access to expungement laws for non-violent, minor drug possession offenses and reducing recidivism by giving more people the opportunity to turn their lives around without a criminal record.

"Too many Pennsylvanians are held back from finding full employment, housing, and education, by first-time, non-violent offenses, despite having paid their debt to society," said Rep. Scanlon. "By allowing judges to expunge these types of low-level criminal records, we can give more people the opportunity to turn their lives around and fully rejoin their communities. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that would provide more Pennsylvanians with the clean slate they need to live full, productive lives."

"Re-Introducing the Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act is an important step in restoring people's ability to fully rejoin our community.  Giving a second chance to folks who have made a mistake in their lives gives us a more productive populace, restores dignity to those whose hopes have been dashed and gives them more opportunities to own a home, start a business or build a career.  Making amends for past mistakes and moving forward should be rewarded.  That's what this bipartisan bill does.  That's what over 22 national organizations support.  Let's get this done," said Rep. Ivey.

“During my time as the owner of a staffing agency, I’d often come across qualified candidates who, due to a non-violent, minor drug possession charge, would be disqualified from prospective employment opportunities. Too many Americans find themselves in this position and are constrained from building a better future for their families because of a single moment in time when they made a poor choice with drugs. This grace-based legislation will open opportunities for non-violent, low-level, first-time drug offenders who have proven that they are on the straight and narrow to forge a new future and put that one-time mistake behind them. Thank you to Congressman Ivey for his strong voice on this issue, and for working in partnership in a bipartisan manner to provide deserving Americans a second chance,” said Rep. Moran.

“Ken Thompson was a groundbreaking District Attorney who prioritized integrity and fairness in the criminal justice system. He was a transformational figure in the fight for criminal justice reform nationally and a staunch defender of the safety and security of New Yorkers,” said Democratic Leader Jeffries. “I am grateful to Reps. Glenn Ivey, Kelly Armstrong, Nathaniel Moran, Mary Gay Scanlon and Laurel Lee for reintroducing this legislation to carry forward the remarkable legacy of my friend by allowing low-level drug offenders an opportunity at a second chance to pursue their God-given potential.”

“The Begin Again Act is smart criminal justice reform that reaffirms something important. Once someone serves their sentence, they should get a second chance. This bipartisan bill is proof that we can come together from across the aisle to make policies that will have a real impact on people’s lives,” said Rep. Armstrong.

“I am hopeful as we reintroduce the Begin Again Act alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we rethink justice and redemption,” Rep. Dean said. “Named for groundbreaking District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson, who spent his career in Brooklyn fighting for reforms, this bill creates commonsense changes to expungements for simple possession cases. Under the current law, individuals who were over the age of 21 at the time of their offense cannot have their record expunged. This age cap is arbitrary and reinforces the barriers that criminal records create – barriers to finding work, housing, and education. When we approach people with compassion, and help rather than hinder new starts, we are all better off.”

“The Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act gives folks who are first-time, non-violent offenders a second chance to turn their lives around,” said Rep. Moore. “I am proud to join my Republican and Democrat colleagues from across the aisle in this effort that will have a positive impact on our communities.”

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