Two House lawmakers want to reduce the chance ex-felons wind up back in prison. They’re backing measures remove criminal history questions from initial employment and enrollment applications.
West Park Democratic Representative Shevrin Jones is filing a so-called ban the box bill to remove criminal history questions from a private company’s initial employment application. Rep. Ramon Alexander (D-Tallahassee) is hoping to do the same for public employment and higher education applications.
“The use of criminal record has a significant impact on the ability of low income students, many of whom are students of color to get to college and receive a high quality education,” Alexander says. “This legislation will open a pathway to students.”
The measures are part of broader to move to reduce recidivism by easing the transition from prison to society. Many cities across the state have voluntarily taken similar steps in their own hiring practices.
