On April 27th, Governor Deal signed into law the most recent round of criminal justice reforms in Georgia. Senate Bill 367 enacts many of the recommendations of the state’s Council on Criminal Justice Reform.
Among the reforms are a number that will improve the ability of returning citizens to obtain employment, a key to reducing recidivism, including:
– Allowing first-time offenders to meaningfully shield their criminal record under the state’s First Offender Act,
– Providing greater access to occupational licensing, provided that the offense was not reasonably related to the license being sought,
– Reinstating driver’s licenses for those convicted of drug-related offenses that did not involve a motor vehicle,
– Expanding funding for Parental Accountability Courts that are problem-solving courts designed to reduce incarceration and constructively encourage parents to support their children. See our 2015 report on PACs here.
GCO is pleased that the reforms included recommendations we first made in 2013.
I enjoyed reading this, Eric, and yes, your organization has been HUGE in contributing to Georgia’s prison reform. I recently started teaching ABE at the NWRSAT Program – next to Walker State Prison in northwest Georgia. While I value academics, it is killing me to not be able to do reentry things. I would sure love it if someone from our organization would come up and talk to our guys. Is that possible? I want to help in any way I can but must keep myself focused on academics.
Somehow it appears that we are rewarding those that commit crimes rather than actively seeking assistance for the drop outs before they commit crime. So easy for those willing to help others to volunteer to help those in prison.
After all, they are easily identified and are captive audiences. It sometimes appears that the volunteers are fulfilling self needs to puff their chest out and fulfill their need. Why not help the person that has needs before he goes to jail.