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SB 1771

REENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Javier Cervantes and 6 co-sponsors

SB 1771 - REENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE OverviewBill Number: SB 1771 Title: REENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE Status: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments Introduced: February 28, 202

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 1771

SB 1771 - REENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE

Overview

Bill Number: SB 1771
Title: REENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE
Status: Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments
Introduced: February 28, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of SB 1771 is to facilitate the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into the workforce. The bill aims to address the significant barriers and challenges this population often faces when seeking employment after release from prison or jail. By improving access to job opportunities and providing support services, the legislation intends to reduce recidivism rates and foster successful, long-term reentry into the community.

Key Provisions

  • Requires state agencies and contractors to "ban the box" on job applications, prohibiting inquiries about criminal history until later in the hiring process
  • Establishes a tax credit program for employers who hire formerly incarcerated individuals, providing incentives to expand job opportunities
  • Mandates the creation of a Reentry Employment Assistance Program to connect former inmates with job training, placement services, and mentorship
  • Directs the Department of Corrections to expand educational, vocational, and life skills programs within correctional facilities to better prepare inmates for employment upon release
  • Allocates funding for transitional housing, transportation assistance, and other support services to aid the reentry process

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to reenter the workforce and rebuild their lives. By reducing barriers to employment and providing a range of support services, the bill aims to improve their prospects for securing stable, long-term employment and reducing the likelihood of recidivism.

Employers would also be impacted, as the tax credit program and "ban the box" requirement would incentivize the hiring of this population and limit the ability to automatically exclude applicants based on criminal history.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SB 1771 was introduced in the state legislature on February 28, 2025 and has been re-referred to the Assignments committee for further consideration. The bill must pass through several additional legislative stages, including committee hearings, floor votes in both chambers, and potential amendments, before it can be signed into law by the governor. If enacted, the provisions would likely be phased in over a period of 12-18 months to allow for implementation and compliance by state agencies and private employers.

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

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