Alabama Legislature Approves Bill to Remove Workforce Barriers for Qualified Reentering Citizens
By Jakiya Dudley, Media Specialist
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Tuesday, the Alabama Legislature passed SB138, co-sponsored by Representative Parker Moore and Senator Rodger Smitherman, without opposition.
“Senator Smitherman and Representative Parker Moore deserve recognition for leading the charge on this bipartisan, common-sense public safety legislation that reduces bureaucratic red tape and empowers job creators,” said Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward. “As the Bureau continues its core mission of protecting communities across the state through enhanced supervision and law enforcement operations, SB138 complements this work by addressing one of the key drivers of recidivism: lack of employment. By helping qualified individuals gain access to stable, in-demand, good-paying jobs, Rep. Moore and Sen. Smitherman are supporting the Bureau’s efforts to reduce repeat offenses and enhance community safety. This is one of several bills before the Legislature this session that recognize and commend the agency’s vital contributions to both reentry and public safety across Alabama. We deeply appreciate the support and expertise of our private sector partners, including Alabama Power, the Business Council of Alabama, Manufacture Alabama, NFIB-Alabama, the Alabama Community College System, Ingram State Technical College, and many others who helped move this important legislation forward.”
A broad coalition of businesses and industries support SB138 and see it as a boon for economic development as much as for public safety. Alabama currently faces a critical workforce shortage, with only 50 active workers available for every 100 job openings. SB138 addresses this gap by eliminating unnecessary barriers that prevent qualified individuals with criminal records from reentering the workforce.
It aims to allow parolees and probationers the opportunity to obtain licenses without automatic disqualification by a licensing board for those whose crimes have no relevance to the positions. These workers would receive a Certificate of Employability from the Bureau – a document that also protects employers from legal liability for hiring former felons. The bill excludes individuals convicted of violent offenses or sexual misconduct.
In Alabama, one in five jobs requires a license, but many individuals with criminal records face unnecessary barriers to obtaining these licenses, which limits their access to stable employment. Licensing reform is proven to enhance community safety, as having a job is one of the most significant factors in reducing recidivism – and lowering crime by repeat offenders. SB138 empowers Alabama’s businesses to make decisions that are in the best interest of their operations and communities, while also ensuring that individuals with criminal histories have the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
