Rep. Richmond Statement on Passage of "Ban the Box' Legislation in the Louisiana Legislature

Press Release

Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the Louisiana Legislature passed House Bill 266, which would prohibit state employers from including criminal history questions on hiring applications. The bill will now go to the Governor's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law:

"The ability to find a job is critical for helping ex-offenders successfully reenter society," said Rep. Richmond. "We know that people who are able to secure a good paying job shortly after their release are much less likely to return to prison. Unfortunately, a job applicant with a criminal record is 50 percent less likely to receive an interview request or job offer. These disparities are larger for Black applicants, who are three times less likely to receive a call back. By improving access to opportunity, we can reduce the prison population and make our communities safer.

Improving access is the first step, but there are still too many employment restrictions excluding people with convictions from entering the workforce, both federally and in Louisiana.

I applaud the work of Rep. Marcelle and the entire legislature on this bill as well as Gov. Edwards for supporting this cause. This is a very important step, but we must continue to support smart criminal justice reforms and reduce the collateral consequences of incarceration on our community."

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