SERVE Our Communities Act

The SERVE Our Communities Act would authorize federal grants through the Bureau of Justice Assistance to states and local governments for programs supporting offender reintegration. These programs would provide mentoring, transitional services, and training to help people successfully return to their communities after incarceration. The goal is to reduce repeat offenses and support successful rehabilitation.

To receive these grants, states and local governments would need to implement measures to prevent repeat offenses by violent offenders. Additionally, state courts and magistrates would be required to consider the danger an individual poses to the community when making decisions about bail and pretrial release conditions. This would give judges explicit authority to factor public safety into their release decisions.

The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced in the House in January 2025 and referred to committee. If enacted, it could expand reentry support programs nationwide while potentially affecting how courts handle bail decisions for certain offenders.