Bill will allow the MDOC to hire people with prior convictions

Currently, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is prohibited from hiring people with a prior conviction or pending charges. House Bill 4065 (HB 4065), introduced by Rep. David Pagel (R – District 78), removes the prohibition and requires the MDOC to establish a hiring policy for these individuals.

The bill does not require the MDOC to hire individuals with or pending felony convictions.

CAPPS supports HB 4065 and encourages the MDOC to adopt policies that create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with a criminal background.

Individuals with a criminal background face significant barriers to employment, which is one of the most important factors in success upon release from incarceration.

A number of organizations testified in support of the bill, including Monica Jahner, CAPPS board member and Justice Leadership USA graduate; MDOC; Nation Outside; and Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency.