HB5516: Expanding Employment for People with Felony Records

Written by Administrator Friday, 07 November 2008 21:48

Find your state Senator and tell them to vote yes on HB5516 during veto session to expand eligibility for Certificates of Good Conduct and Certificates of Relief from Disability for people with felony records.

Status: HB 5516 passed the House during the regular legislative session thanks to the work of Civic Action members. It is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.

Background: Finding meaningful employment is one of the most difficult challenges facing people with felony records when they return home from prison. People with felony records are barred from receiving many professional licenses, including those to work as a barber, nail technician, athletic coach, or funeral director. HB 5516 would expand access to certificates of good conduct and certificates of relief from disability for people with non-violent felony records to open the doors to professional licensure, meaningful employment, and self sufficiency. A 2005 Loyola University study found that those who attain 30 days of employment after leaving prison achieved a 67% reduction in recidivism.

Call or email your Senator today!