ATLANTA – State Senator Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia) and State Representative Houston Gaines (R-Athens) carried and unanimously passed Senate Bill 288 in both chambers on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. SB 288 will now head to Governor Brian Kemp for consideration. This legislation would allow for individuals to have certain misdemeanors restricted and sealed from their public criminal records after not reoffending for four years.
“I am extremely proud of the passage of Senate Bill 288,” said Sen. Anderson. “This legislation will unlock opportunities for thousands of Georgians who want to work, rebuild their lives and provide a better future for their family. Those who may have been disqualified from housing and job applications due to their criminal record will now have a second chance to move past mistakes and create a brighter future. Additionally, this will offer a tremendous boost to our economy.”
“This historic legislation is a critical step forward and one of the most important criminal justice reforms we have made as a state,” said Rep. Gaines. “Having worked alongside Senator Anderson and with so many organizations, employers and individuals to get this legislation over the finish line, I am extremely proud of this bill. Senate Bill 288 would help millions of Georgians, especially during this time of economic uncertainty. This is a significant victory for criminal justice reform in Georgia.”
Under SB 288, certain misdemeanor offenses, such as family violence and DUI, would not eligible for restriction. Individuals would be required to petition the court for the restriction, and there is a lifetime limit of two restrictions. This legislation would also provide significant liability protection for employers who hire individuals with a criminal history who have had their record restricted. An individual’s record would remain available to law enforcement and the courts.
Approximately 4.3 million Georgians have a criminal record, and this legislation seeks to offer a second chance. If SB 288 is enacted into law, Georgia will join 41 other states with record restriction laws.
For more information on Senate Bill 288, please click here.
Senator Tonya Anderson represents the 43rd Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties. She may be reached by email at tonya.anderson@senate.ga.gov.
Representative Houston Gaines represents the citizens of District 117, which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Health & Human Services and Insurance committees.
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