By Jakiya Dudley, Media Specialist
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Two critical bills relating to reentry and law enforcement are moving quickly through the state legislature.
Sponsored by Representative Parker Moore, HB238 was nearly unanimously approved – with only four abstentions – Tuesday in the House.
SB138, which is sponsored by Senator Rodger Smitherman, and received a unanimous favorable report Wednesday in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The bills are identical in language and scope as they aim to allow parolees and probationers the opportunity to obtain licenses without automatically being disqualified by a licensing board. Criminal records will still be considered, but they cannot be used as an automatic barrier for individuals whose convictions have no relevance to the position. The bills exclude individuals convicted of violent offenses or sexual misconduct.
“Common sense isn’t a one-party issue,” Bureau Director Cam Ward said, “We commend Senator Rodger Smitherman, Representative Parker Moore, and the co-sponsors of SB138 and HB238 for putting partisanship aside and putting Alabama first. The Free to Work legislation cuts through bureaucratic red tape and empowers our job creators to hire highly qualified, well-vetted candidates for in-demand, good-paying jobs. This is a win-win for workers and businesses, and we appreciate the support of the Business Council of Alabama, Manufacture Alabama, Alabama Power Company, the Alabama Community College System, Ingram State Community College and many others. This is about creating safer communities and stronger families. By breaking the cycle of revocation and incarceration, we give those who have paid their debt to society a chance to fully make amends, provide for their families, and build better futures for their children.”
The legislation is supported by a broad coalition of businesses and industries. Alabama currently faces a critical workforce shortage, with only 50 active workers available for every 100 job openings. SB138 and HB238 address this gap by eliminating unnecessary barriers that prevent qualified individuals with criminal records from reentering the workforce. It also protects these employers from legal liability associated with hiring former felons.
Occupational licensure reform is the crux of SB138 and HB238. In Alabama, one in five jobs requires a license, but many individuals with criminal records face unnecessary barriers to obtaining these licenses, which limits their access to stable employment. Licensing reform is proven to enhance community safety, as having a job is one of the most significant factors in reducing recidivism – and lowering crime by repeat offenders.
ABPP is proud to support SB138 and HB238 as part of its ongoing commitment to advancing proven reentry strategies, like Reentry 2030, a national effort led by the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center. Reentry 2030 aims to cut recidivism in half by 2030. To do this, the Bureau ensures individuals have the tools and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society, further reducing recidivism.
By supporting SB138 and HB238, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles reaffirms its commitment to enhancing public safety, reducing recidivism, and fostering economic growth through meaningful employment opportunities for all Alabamians. These bills empower Alabama’s businesses to make decisions that are in the best interest of their operations and communities, while also ensuring that individuals with criminal histories have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. With broad support from major stakeholders—including Alabama Power, Manufacture Alabama, NFIB-Alabama, and the Business Council of Alabama—SB138 and HB238 mark a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and prosperous workforce for the state.