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HB 650

LOCAL GOVERNMENT-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

The Presidential Felon Freedom Act restores civil rights to felons in Georgia, allowing jury service, professional licenses, and housing access, promoting reintegration and stability.

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Bill Summary · HB 650

Summary of House Bill 650: Presidential Felon Freedom Act

Bill Number: HB 650
Introduced: February 26, 2025
Status: House Second Readers
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The Presidential Felon Freedom Act aims to amend various sections of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to restore certain civil rights to individuals with criminal histories. The bill seeks to eliminate restrictions that currently prevent felons from serving on juries, obtaining professional licenses, and securing housing based on their criminal records.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes across multiple titles of the Georgia Code:

  1. Jury Service:

    • Repeals the prohibition on individuals with felony convictions serving as trial jurors and grand jurors, provided they have had their civil rights restored.
    • Updates eligibility criteria for jurors, ensuring that only those who have not had their civil rights restored or who are mentally incompetent remain ineligible.

  2. Professional Licenses:

    • Revises the grounds for denying or revoking professional licenses for various occupations, including auctioneers, electrical contractors, plumbers, and utility contractors.
    • Aims to create a more equitable process for individuals with felony convictions seeking to enter these professions.

  3. Housing:

    • Prohibits landlords from refusing to lease residential properties to individuals based solely on their criminal histories, promoting fair housing practices.

  4. Notary Public Applications:

    • Revises the criteria for denying applications for notary public status based on criminal history.

  5. Data Sharing:

    • Mandates the Department of Driver Services and the Department of Corrections to provide data on individuals with felony convictions and those who have had their civil rights restored, to ensure compliance and facilitate the implementation of the bill.

Impact

The Presidential Felon Freedom Act is expected to have a broad impact on individuals with felony convictions in Georgia, particularly in the following areas:

  • Restoration of Rights: By allowing felons to serve on juries and obtain professional licenses, the bill aims to reintegrate these individuals into society more effectively.
  • Housing Access: The prohibition against discrimination based on criminal history may improve housing opportunities for individuals with past convictions, potentially reducing homelessness and promoting stability.
  • Professional Opportunities: The revised licensing criteria could enhance employment prospects for those with criminal records, contributing to economic empowerment and reducing recidivism.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 26, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • February 26, 2025: First reading in the House.
  • February 27, 2025: Bill moved to House Second Readers for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 650 represents a significant shift in Georgia's approach to individuals with felony convictions, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By restoring rights and prohibiting discrimination based on criminal history, the bill aims to foster a more inclusive environment for those seeking to rebuild their lives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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