About the Author
Key Findings
1. Occupational licenses are a significant barrier for people with criminal records, preventing them from finding jobs after leaving prison.
2. Currently, people with criminal records are prohibited from obtaining licenses in a number of job categories.
3. House Bill 1874 would allow state agencies to consider several factors including the nature of the offense, age at the time of the crime, and time since the offense.
4. Considering these factors can open more opportunities for people who have served their time to begin new careers and reduce recidivism.
Introduction
While much of criminal justice reform has been focused on reducing penalties, less attention has been paid to helping those who have completed a prison sentence and are looking for an opportunity to find a career and build a new life.
Policymakers have placed many careers off limits to people with criminal records because state licenses prohibit or restrict those who have served their time. This is beginning to change.
Last year, legislators unanimously reformed the way Washington’s licensing agencies determine whether someone with a past conviction is eligible for a professional license. House Bill 1399 required the state to determine eligibility prior to receiving training rather than at the time of licensing after time and money had already been spent.
House Bill 1874 would build on that good start. When considering whether a person is qualified for an occupational license, the proposed legislation would require an agency to consider several factors, including the nature of the past offense, the relationship of the offense to the work, and other factors. A more comprehensive look at the application and criminal record would maintain safety protections while opening avenues to work for those seeking to move beyond their criminal past.
Click here to read the Legislative Memo in full.