Democracy Restoration Act of 2021

3/8/2023, 8:12 PM

Democracy Restoration Act of 2021

This bill addresses the voting rights of individuals convicted of a criminal offense and the restoration of their voting rights.

First, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. Further, the bill provides for enforcement of, and remedies for violations of, the bill.

In addition, it sets forth requirements for state and federal notification of individuals of the restoration of their voting rights.

Finally, the bill prohibits federal funding of construction or improvement of a place of incarceration unless U.S. citizens incarcerated in that jurisdiction are notified, upon release, of their voting rights.

Congress
117

Number
S - 481

Introduced on
2021-02-25

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

2/25/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Democracy Restoration Act of 2021

This bill addresses the voting rights of individuals convicted of a criminal offense and the restoration of their voting rights.

First, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. Further, the bill provides for enforcement of, and remedies for violations of, the bill.

In addition, it sets forth requirements for state and federal notification of individuals of the restoration of their voting rights.

Finally, the bill prohibits federal funding of construction or improvement of a place of incarceration unless U.S. citizens incarcerated in that jurisdiction are notified, upon release, of their voting rights.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to secure the Federal voting rights of persons when released from incarceration.

Policy Areas
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Potential Impact
Civil actions and liability
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Crime and Law Enforcement
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Law enforcement administration and funding
Voting rights

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary4/6/2021

Democracy Restoration Act of 2021

This bill addresses the voting rights of individuals convicted of a criminal offense and the restoration of their voting rights.

First, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to ...


Latest Action2/25/2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.