Frankfort, Ky. (Feb, 28 2024)—Today, the Kentucky Smart on Crime Coalition, a group of 14 partner organizations working for common sense justice reforms, released the below statements after HB 124 cleared the Kentucky House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee. The bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Emily Callaway of Louisville helps promote true second chances and an honest living by allowing ex-offenders the ability to petition a licensing board or public employer before enrolling in any required training to determine whether their criminal record would be disqualifying.
“Kentucky has made some important strides on reentry in the last ten years, but there are still so many obstacles that citizens face when trying to rebuild their lives and be strong contributors to their community,” said Marcus Ray, president of Kentucky NAACP on behalf of the Kentucky Smart on Crime Coalition. “This bill is going to save job applicants the time and expense of preparing for tests and boards when they would be deemed ineligible for their record.”
HB 124 also sets forth that individuals can only be disqualified from public employment or an occupational license if their conviction directly relates to the job they are applying for. The bill requires hiring or licensing authorities to request information and allow an applicant a hearing before making a determination of hiring for a position of public employment or granting an occupational license and provide written findings of fact to the applicant upon determination.
“We urge House members to support HB 124,” said Kentucky Chamber of Commerce vice president of public affairs, Kate Shanks on behalf of the Kentucky Smart on Crime Coalition “Representative Callaway’s bill is another step we can take to address the Commonwealth’s workforce issues. Employment is key to reducing recidivism.”
21 states have similar laws.
About Kentucky Smart on Crime:
Kentucky Smart on Crime is a broad-based coalition working for common sense justice reforms that proactively address individual and systemic racial disparities and inequities, improve public health, enhance public safety, strengthen communities, and promote cost-effective sentencing alternatives. Partner organizations include American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, KY Policy, Kentucky Council of Churches, Catholic Conference of Kentucky, Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc., Zero V, Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Kentucky Youth Advocates, Volunteers of America Mid-States, Inc., NAACP Kentucky, Kentucky Criminal Justice Forum, and United Way of Kentucky. For more information, visit: kysmartoncrime.com or @kysmartoncrime on Twitter.