ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10546ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10546

Second Chance Month, 2023

President Biden proclaimed April 2023 as 'Second Chance Month' to highlight reentry challenges for formerly incarcerated individuals and promote rehabilitation over recidivism. The proclamation cites administration investments in job training, Pell Grant expansion for prisoners, marijuana possession pardons, and calls for congressional action on benefits access and crime prevention funding.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 20373

Impact dates

  1. Second Chance Month observation period begins

Key directives

  • Proclaim April 2023 as Second Chance Month
  • Call upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and all people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation of April 2023 as Second Chance Month

Near term (90d)

  • Observation of Second Chance Month with programs and ceremonies

Long term

  • Ongoing reentry service investments
  • Potential congressional action on Safer America Plan proposals

Risks & tensions

  • Proclamation mixes commemorative language with substantive policy advocacy, but contains no binding directives
  • Calls on Congress to act on Safer America Plan, but no executive action mandated
  • References to past marijuana pardons and investments are retrospective, not creating new obligations
Proclamation 10546: Second Chance Month, 2023 · Executive Orders