summary
Introduced
03/18/2015
03/18/2015
In Committee
03/18/2015
03/18/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
Democracy Restoration Act of 2015 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 in a correctional institution or facility. Provides for enforcement of, and remedies for violations of, this Act. Prohibits this Act from being construed to prohibit a state from enacting any state law that affords the right to vote in any election for federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act. Declares that the rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act. Sets forth requirements for state and federal notification of individuals of the restoration of their voting rights. Prohibits any state, local government, or other person from receiving or using any federal funds to construct or improve a place of incarceration unless that person has in effect a program to notify each U.S. citizen incarcerated in that person's jurisdiction, upon release from such incarceration, of that individual's rights under this Act.
AI Summary
This bill, the Democracy Restoration Act of 2015, aims to restore voting rights for U.S. citizens convicted of crimes, stating that the right to vote in federal elections cannot be denied or restricted due to a criminal conviction unless the individual is currently serving a felony sentence in a correctional facility. It establishes enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General or individuals affected by violations to seek legal remedies, and mandates that states and the federal government notify citizens of their restored voting rights upon release from incarceration or completion of probation. The bill also prevents federal funds from being used for prison construction or improvements unless a program is in place to inform incarcerated citizens of their voting rights upon release, and clarifies that it does not prevent states from enacting laws that are more lenient in restoring voting rights, nor does it supersede existing laws like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (18)
Ben Cardin (D)*,
Richard Blumenthal (D),
Cory Booker (D),
Sherrod Brown (D),
Bob Casey (D),
Chris Coons (D),
Dick Durbin (D),
Al Franken (D),
Kirsten Gillibrand (D),
Mazie Hirono (D),
Patrick Leahy (D),
Jeff Merkley (D),
Barbara Mikulski (D),
Harry Reid (D),
Bernie Sanders (I),
Brian Schatz (D),
Elizabeth Warren (D),
Sheldon Whitehouse (D),
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (on 03/18/2015)
Official Document
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