Governor Kay Ivey signed SB138 into law this week. Sponsored by Representative Parker Moore and Senator Rodger Smitherman, the bill breaks down workforce barriers for non-violent formerly incarcerated Alabamians.
“Senator Smitherman and Representative Parker Moore deserve recognition for leading the charge on this bipartisan, common-sense legislation that reduces bureaucratic red tape and empowers job creators,” said Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward. “As the Bureau continues its core mission of protecting communities across the state, SB138 complements this work by addressing one of the key drivers of recidivism: unemployment.”
These workers would receive a Certificate of Employability from the Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles – a document that endorses candidates’ qualifications and protects employers from legal liability for hiring former felons. The certificates also prevent automatic disqualification by a licensing board for Alabamians with criminal records whose crimes have no relevance to the positions. The bill excludes individuals convicted of violent offenses or sexual misconduct.
SB138 passed both chambers of the state house without opposition. The new law will ensure formerly incarcerated Alabamians can leverage the training, education and trade certifications offered by the Alabama Community College System, Ingram State Technical College, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles and others to fill in-demand, good-paying jobs across the state.
“This bill allows those who have served their time, and paid their debt to society, to once again aim to achieve the American dream,” Rep. Moore said. “If our goal is to build a stronger workforce, reduce recidivism, and make Alabama the best place to live in America, we must allow job creators and job seekers to work together, which is exactly what this bill does. We’re building a better Alabama for everyone one step at a time and this legislation is a huge step in the right direction to achieving that.”
Leaders see the new law as a win-win that will lower recidivism and protect taxpayer dollars while shoring up the state’s workforce participation rate. Alabama currently faces a critical workforce shortage, with only 50 active workers available for every 100 job openings. A broad coalition of business and industry leaders supported the legislation as a solution to increasing the participation rate.
“We appreciate the backing of our private sector partners, including Alabama Power, the Business Council of Alabama, Manufacture Alabama, NFIB-Alabama, the Alabama Community College System and Ingram State Technical College, who stood with us every step of the way in moving this legislation forward,” Director Ward said.
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.
“This bill empowers Alabama’s businesses to make decisions that are in the best interest of their operations and their communities, while also ensuring that Alabamians with criminal record have the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” Senator Smitherman said. “It opens the doors to good-paying jobs and careers where they can earn a living, practice a craft, and reach new heights. We were proud to deliver a bill that targeted injustice by breaking down burdensome barriers faced all too often by thousands of Alabamians.”
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