summary
Introduced
03/23/2015
03/23/2015
In Committee
04/21/2015
04/21/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
Civil Rights Voting 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 the individual has been convicted of a non-violent criminal offense, unless, at the time of the election, the individual is serving a sentence in a correctional facility or a term of probation. Restores the right to vote of an individual on probation: (1) on the date the term of probation ends, if such term is less than one year; or (2) one year after the date the individual begins serving the term of probation, if such term is one year or longer. Directs the Attorney General to determine and establish a list of the criminal offenses under federal and state law that are non-violent criminal offenses. Provides for enforcement of, and remedies for violations of, this Act. Sets forth requirements for state and federal notification of individuals of their voting rights pursuant to this Act. Prohibits a state, local government, or other person from receiving or using federal grant amounts to construct or improve a place of incarceration unless that person has in effect a program under which each incarcerated individual is notified, upon release, of his or her rights under this Act.
AI Summary
This bill, the Civil Rights Voting Restoration Act of 2015, aims to restore voting rights for U.S. citizens convicted of non-violent criminal offenses, ensuring their right to vote in federal elections is not denied unless they are currently serving a sentence in a correctional facility or are on probation. A "non-violent criminal offense" is defined as any crime that is not a "crime of violence" as defined by federal law, and "probation" includes various forms of court-ordered supervision. The bill specifies that voting rights for individuals on probation are restored either immediately upon completion of a probation term less than one year, or one year after beginning a probation term of one year or longer. The Attorney General is tasked with creating and maintaining a public list of all federal and state non-violent offenses, and the bill establishes mechanisms for enforcement, including civil actions, and requires states and federal authorities to notify individuals of their restored voting rights upon release or sentencing. Furthermore, it prohibits states and local governments from using federal funds to build or improve correctional facilities unless they have a program in place to inform incarcerated individuals of their voting rights upon release.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. (on 04/21/2015)
Official Document
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