The Reintegration Agenda During Pandemic: Criminal Record Reforms in 2020

Abstract

This report from the Collateral Consequences Resource Center summarizes legislative efforts and executive orders in 2020 to reduce barriers faced by people with a criminal record in the workplace, at the ballot box, and in many other areas of daily life. In 2020, 32 states, D.C., and the federal government enacted 106 bills, approved five ballot initiatives, and issued four executive orders to restore rights and opportunities to people with a record. While states enacted fewer laws than in the preceding two years, evidently because of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the fact that there was still considerable progress is testament to a genuine and enduring public commitment to a reintegration agenda. The report provides topical discussions of the reforms, a legislative report card of the most and least productive states, and an appendix documenting the laws by jurisdiction.

Keywords: collateral consequences, restoration of rights, reintegration, voting rights, record relief, expungement, pardon, occupational licensing, employment, public benefits, driver's licenses, education, reentry, immigration, sex offense registration