Evans Passes Legislation to Open Up More Job Opportunities for Individuals with Prior Misdemeanor(s)

CHICAGO – State Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, knows good-paying jobs are key to revitalizing our neighborhoods, and he says his measure to help give local residents a second chance is a step in the right direction.

“Everyone deserves a second chance, and those individuals who make real changes in their lives deserve a chance to keep improving,” Evans said. “Denying good job opportunities to people who have made mistakes keeps communities from becoming stronger, and I’m working to end policies that prevent us from moving forward.”

Evans’ legislation provides that the state cannot consider a prior misdemeanor conviction alone to prevent someone from seeking a professional license for certain jobs, including barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, roofing and funeral services, unless the crime committed was closely related to the occupation sought.

“This is a measure to bring job opportunities to our community and allow for individuals to better themselves in a criminal justice system that too many times doesn’t allow for redemption,” Evans said. “People in my community sometimes depend on jobs that require a professional license. I am focused on helping local families move beyond mistakes of the past, improve their lives and obtain good-paying jobs. When we can help end the cycle of recidivism by allowing more qualified people to find work, our neighborhoods benefit.”

House Bill 5973 passed the House with bipartisan support and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: State Rep. Marcus Evans, Jr. 773-783-8492
RepEvans33@gmail.com

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