Bill · S. 1499· Senate(119-S-1499)

New Start Act of 2025

Age: 80 years

Massachusetts

Introduced: 4/28/2025
Last activity: 4/28/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Sponsored by: Edward Markey
Cosponsors: - 1 - 0

Commerce

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

The "New Start Act of 2025" aims to reduce recidivism and unemployment among formerly incarcerated individuals by establishing a program that awards competitive grants to organizations providing entrepreneurial development programs to both currently and formerly incarcerated people. It requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish the "New Start Program" and outlines the requirements for grant applications, priority considerations, and reporting. The goal is to foster economic stability and reduce re-offending rates through entrepreneurship.

Potential Positive Impacts for People

Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The bill establishes a grant program specifically for organizations that provide entrepreneurial training to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals (Section 49). This is a positive impact because it could provide valuable skills and opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to traditional employment, promoting self-sufficiency and economic stability.
Reduced Recidivism: By promoting entrepreneurship, the bill aims to reduce recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated individuals (Section 2). This benefits not only the individuals themselves but also communities by fostering safer environments and reducing the societal costs associated with re-incarceration.
Support Network: The bill encourages grant recipients to connect formerly incarcerated individuals to a range of federal resources, including Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers, and SCORE chapters (Section 49(g)). This comprehensive support system can help individuals navigate the challenges of starting a business and increase their chances of success.

Potential Negative Impacts for People

I can not find any negative impacts in the provided text.

Yes· 3 of 22

Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+7
Directly targets individuals who are often unemployed or underemployed post-incarceration.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+7
Provides direct funding for entrepreneurial training and connections to SBA resources.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+6
Addresses economic barriers for a group disproportionately impacted by the justice system.

The opposite

Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
Creates a new grant program requiring federal appropriations.