In 2020 , legislation was signed in Georgia that provides a process for rehabilitated Georgians to move beyond their criminal history by restricting and sealing certain conviction records – a process most states call expungement . SB 288 benefits not only the individuals who have demonstrated they are rehabilitated yet continue to face barriers to economic self-sufficiency and stability , but also protects employers from liability and ensures they can hire the candidate most qualified for the job
The passage of Georgia SB 288 ( 2020 ) allows rehabilitated individuals to petition the court to have certain misdemeanor convictions restricted and sealed four years after the completion of their sentence , provided they have no new convictions and no pending charges . The bill provides significant liability protection for employers who engage in second chance hiring . Due to both the individual benefits and the benefits to Georgia employers , SB 288 had a broad base of support from community organizations and businesses . Companies that wrote a letter of support include many of the state ’ s largest companies like Coca-Cola , Home Depot , McKenney ’ s , Newell Brands , and Verizon . Employers voiced their support for the bill as it provides significant liability protection for employers who engage in second chance hiring .
Georgia Justice Project Collaboration
Georgia Justice Project ( GJP ) helps strengthen Georgia ’ s community by demonstrating a better way to represent and support individuals in the criminal justice system and reduce barriers to reentry . GJP promotes innovative change through direct legal representation , policy advocacy , education and coalition building .
GJP work around barriers to reentry has expanded exponentially . They represent hundreds of individuals each year with record restriction ( expungement ), sealing , corrections , pardons , and other matters related to their criminal history . Additionally , work has expanded to include housing discrimination , occupational licensing issues , driver ’ s license suspensions , child support advocacy , and other civil legal work related to barriers to reentry .
Over the years , GJP has collaborated with Reentry Services in several efforts and initiatives to offer services to justice involved individuals to address the many barriers they often face when transitioning back into their communities .
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