WHEREAS, every person is endowed with human dignity and value, and those who have faltered should be given the opportunity to become contributing members of our Great State once again; and

WHEREAS, approximately 80 million Americans have a criminal record, with 4,200 people incarcerated and another 3,300 individuals on probation or parole in Alaska; and[LW1.1][MH1.2]

WHEREAS, the number of legal collateral consequences of a criminal conviction nearly reaches 44,000, including 590 in Alaska, and these barriers can contribute to recidivism, which increases victimization and decreases public safety; and

WHEREAS, reentering society after incarceration can be a challenging transition marked by obstacles such as limited access to housing and gainful employment and difficulty rebuilding trust and relationships with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Corrections provides collaborative release planning including individualized case management, programming, and positive family, community, and peer support services to assist those reentering society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska is committed to a proactive reentry process that equips individuals for successful reintegration with the skills and support they need to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as:

Second Chance Month

in Alaska and encourage Alaskans to recognize the need for closure for those who have paid their debt, to commend those who have successfully reentered society, and for individuals, employers, congregations, and communities to extend second chances to former inmates.

Dated: April 1, 2026