In a bipartisan move that has been hailed as a significant step towards criminal justice reform, Georgia lawmakers approved legislation on Monday designed to ease the burden on individuals with minor criminal records when seeking employment and housing. WABE reports that the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee gave the green light to Senate Bill 157, which targets the accessibility of professional licenses, and the Senate Judiciary Committee gave the nod to House Bill 909, which aims to expand the sealing of records under Georgia's First Offender Act.
With unanimous committee approval, the professional licensing bill Senate Bill 157 is crafted to clarify what types of criminal charges can be considered by state boards and agencies when deciding on license eligibility, which could range from nursing to hair styling, and it's an initiative that supports those with minor offenses who look to work in one of every six jobs in Georgia that need a professional license; not long after, the Senate Judiciary Committee backed House Bill 909 that would let more Georgians seal their records contributing to the reform efforts endorsed by the Georgia Justice Project and providing those who have completed their sentences a clearer path to rebuild their lives. "If you are a sensitive employer, think medical, elder care, childcare and it's a related offense, then you would see it," Wade Askew, policy director of the Georgia Justice Project, told WABE.
Buzz Brockway, a lobbyist for Georgia Center for Opportunity, has praised the legislation as a continuation of previous reforms initiated by former Gov. Nathan Deal, which facilitated the reintegration of individuals who had stumbled with the law, and he stated to WABE, "I think this bill continues the good work that the Georgia Legislature has done really over the last decade in assisting people who have run afoul of the law at some point in their life to return back to society and get employment." Supporters also argue the proposed changes would provide stronger foundations for families by ensuring opportunities for employment and self-support.
Proponents like David Morgan of the Reason Foundation herald the bill for its ability to streamline guidelines for state officials who determine the eligibility of Georgians to work in specialized jobs while also safeguarding the public; Morgan highlighted that the legislation "preserves boards' ability to deny licenses in cases where applicants have criminal records directly related to the occupation, and there is no evidence of rehabilitation," this emphasis on practical reformation measures appears to be resonating with groups across the political spectrum as evidenced by the support from diverse organizations including the conservative Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition and the business-oriented Metro Atlanta Chamber. Senate Bill 157 and House Bill 909 are now progressing to the full House and Senate, respectively, and if passed, the bills will be forwarded to Governor Brian Kemp for potential ratification.
