Final Piece of Governor's Criminal Justice Reform Package Passes General Assembly

Press Release

The House today passed legislation to help ex-offenders reintegrate into society by eliminating the arbitrary loss of a driver's license for crimes that have nothing to do with automobiles. By removing an obstacle for ex-offenders to find and hold a job, Senate Bill 217 represents the third bill to address employment discrimination against ex-offenders. The fourth bill in the Governor's package addressed sentencing reform. Other legislation will prevent public employers from requiring job applicants to reveal if they have a conviction on their initial job application and allow the Department of Correction to offer short-term employment to qualified ex-offenders. All of the bills were proposed in the Governor's State of the State address.

Sponsored by Sen. Brian Townsend, D-Newark, and Rep. James "J.J." Johnson, D-New Castle, SB 217 was approved by a 30-10 vote today, passed the Senate in May, and now heads to the Governor's desk.

"To reach our state's full potential, we need to give all of our people the opportunity to contribute and that includes ex-offenders who have repaid their debt to society," said Governor Markell. "This year, we have made substantial progress to remove obstacles to employment for ex-offenders. Our efforts increase the chances that they will become productive members of our communities, while reducing the chance that they will reoffend."

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