The bill is part of the bipartisan Free to Work legislative package, which includes HB238 from Rep. Parker Moore
By Griffith Waller, Deputy Director for Governmental Affairs
The Alabama State Senate Thursday approved SB138, sponsored by Senator Rodger Smitherman, without opposition in a 29-0 vote.
SB138 is part of the Free to Work Reentry Workforce Package that includes HB238, sponsored by Representative Parker Moore. HB238 passed the House last week with more than 40 legislators who signed on to cosponsor the bill. Both bills are supported by a broad coalition of businesses and industries.
“Congratulations to Senator Smitherman and Representative Parker Moore for championing common-sense, bipartisan legislation that cuts bureaucratic red tape and puts decision-making back in the hands of our job creators,” Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles Director Cam Ward said. “This is pro-business, pro-growth policy that connects people coming out of prison to in-demand, good-paying jobs. It offers a real shot at a second chance – not only for these men and women but for their families. This has long been a goal for our agency, and we are grateful to private sector leaders like Alabama Power, the Business Council of Alabama, Manufacture Alabama, NFIB-Alabama, the Alabama Community College System, Ingram State Technical College and many others for their support and partnership in moving this critical legislation forward.”
Alabama currently faces a 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.
The bills aim to allow parolees and probationers the opportunity to earn certificates of employability from the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. These certificates enable parolees and probationers to obtain licenses without automatic disqualification by a licensing board for those whose crimes have no relevance to the positions. The process excludes individuals convicted of violent offenses or sexual misconduct, and it waives liability for employers who hire former felons with a certificate of employability. Regardless of licensure, the bill does not require employers to hire people who obtain certificates of employability.
In Alabama, one in five jobs requires a license, but many individuals with criminal records face unnecessary barriers to obtaining these licenses, which limits 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.
Alabama is 1 of only 7 states that DOES NOT limit how licensing boards consider criminal history. Surrounding states and competitors in economic development, like Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, North Carolina and Oklahoma, have all implemented licensing reform.
“These bills empower Alabama’s businesses to make decisions that are in the best interest of their operations and their communities,” Director Ward said. “They will help drive growth and economic development across Alabama.”
Each bill will now move to its second chamber for consideration.