Prohibits discrimination based on status as a person with a prior conviction

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie

Prohibits discrimination based on having a prior conviction, protecting people with records from biased decisions in areas like work, housing, and licensing.

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Summary of Bill S 5163 — Prohibits discrimination based on status as a person with a prior conviction

Overview

S 5163 (Introduced February 19, 2025) seeks to prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s status as a person with a prior conviction. The bill is sponsored by Leroy Comrie (primary). It has been referred to the committee on Investigations and Government Operations. The available information does not include the bill’s full text or a detailed statement of scope or remedies.

Key Provisions (as currently described)

The bill’s core aim is to prohibit discrimination rooted in having a prior conviction.

No specific text outlining the protected contexts (e.g., employment, housing, education, licensing, public accommodations) or the standards for proof, exceptions, or enforcement is provided in the summary information available.

There is no published schedule of penalties, remedies, or enforcement mechanisms in the material provided.

Affected Parties

Individuals who have a prior conviction would be the primary beneficiaries of the bill’s protections.

Potentially impacted entities include employers, landlords, licensing boards, educational institutions, and other entities that might engage in decision-making affecting those with prior records. However, the exact scope of protected activities and exemptions is not specified in the provided information.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: February 19, 2025.

Status: Referred to Investigations and Government Operations (listed twice in the actions provided).

Legislative actions listed:

2025-02-19: REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
2025-02-19: REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

No further committee votes or floor actions are documented in the provided materials.

Sponsors and Related Legislation

Primary Sponsor: Leroy Comrie.

Related Bill: S 9189 (prior-session) — noted as related, but no details are provided about its contents.

Potential Impact and Implementation Considerations

If enacted, the bill would establish protections for individuals with prior convictions against discrimination in areas covered by law or regulation.

Without the text, it is unclear whether protections would be broad (covering multiple sectors) or targeted to specific contexts, and what enforcement mechanisms or penalties would apply.

The involvement of the Investigations and Government Operations committee suggests a focus on enforcement, oversight, and potential regulatory provisions, but specifics are not available.

What to Watch

Release of the bill’s full text to confirm the scope, definitions (e.g., what constitutes a “prior conviction”), protected activities, exemptions, and enforcement remedies.

Any amendments or floor amendments during committee review.

How the bill interacts with related S 9189 and any differences from prior-session provisions.