Biden commutes sentences of 31 nonviolent drug offenders, outlines prison rehabilitation plan

President Joe Biden’s administration Friday unveiled a broad criminal justice reform initiative that included commuting the sentences of 31 nonviolent drug offenders.

The White House is looking to uplift those coming out of the U.S. prison system with a “fresh start,” according to a fact sheet from the administration.

Those formerly incarcerated need “redemption and rehabilitation” via better access to affordable housing, job opportunities and fewer barriers to vote, the administration said.

Biden has proclaimed April as Second Chance Month to steer the spotlight to ways the federal government can assist Americans with criminal records.

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Who is receiving commutations?

As part of that the president's push, he used his constitutional authority to issue nearly three dozen commutations for people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses.

The 31 individuals, according to the White House, have been serving sentences on home confinement and have demonstrated a "commitment to rehabilitation, including by securing employment and advancing their education." 

What other actions are involved?

The second chance effort unveiled Friday serves up about 100 policy actions across 20 agencies, White House officials said.

Under the proposed executive changes, those getting out of prison or jail could have additional access to housing vouchers, Pell grants for education and small business loan.

Politics: Black lawmakers want Biden to push for police reform during State of the Union

More: Biden pressure prompts D.C. to cancel sentencing reform law as GOP portrays Dems as soft on crime

What's the background?

Crime has been a wedge issue since Biden took office, with opponents taking aim at the rise in violence in U.S. cities and progressive calls to shift police funding to other anti-crime initiatives.

The president has tried to hold a moderate middle ground but has used his clemency powers in the past to underscore the bipartisan support for an overhaul to the country’s justice system.

Last October, Biden pardoned thousands with federal convictions for simple possession of marijuana, which was called a seismic move by supporters. That move could set up removing marijuana from a Schedule 1 classification under federal law.

This story will be updated.