Tag: Senate Bill 397

Oregon Clean Slate Bill Could Provide Many a Second Chance March 24, 2023 Many millions of Americans have faced incarceration at some point. Unfortunately, these people often find it increasingly difficult to obtain jobs or housing because of this experience. In addition, getting licenses or certifications for jobs that provide a living wage can also prove challenging. This struggle is often due to occupational-licensing laws. These laws limit people with convictions from gaining state certifications. As a result, these problems cause people with criminal records to depend on public assistance. Unfortunately, many government officials do not know how best to help fight this problem. However, one idea that could help former inmates has grown more popular over time: Clean Slate policies. So far, several states have already enacted Clean Slate laws. Recently, Oregon proposed a Clean Slate law of its own, though it already has a criminal record clearance law. Currently, about 45% of people are eligible for record clearance relief. However, research indicates that approximately 7% of people in Oregon have successfully had their records cleared. Some claim this is because the petition-based process to expunge criminal records is costly and complex. The current law in Oregon allows people to apply to set aside their arrest or conviction. However, they must complete their sentence, the conviction must qualify, and they must complete the court hearing before applying. However, Oregon legislators will soon consider Senate Bill 397, which would update the procedure for filing a court motion. It would also eliminate the currently required fees and fingerprint requirements, ultimately lowering waiting periods. The legislation would also speed up the removal process for non-conviction records. For example, it would remove the need for Oregon residents to wait 20 years before petitioning the courts for an expungement. SB 397 includes several provisions intended to keep the public safe. One safeguard includes having the court serve the prosecuting attorney with the motion to clear the record. However, the attorney may file an objection. In addition, the bill instructs prosecutors to supply the victim with a copy of the petition. In this case, the victim may also object and insist on a record-clearing hearing. This law favors expungement, requiring courts that receive no objections to set aside the court record. Through this law, courts will no longer consider the individual to have faced convictions, arrests, citations, or charges after completing the process. Additionally, the court would issue an order to seal all official records for the case. If this bill does pass, employers in Oregon must ensure that their hiring practices comply with the law. The best way to ensure compliant background screening is to partner with a background check company that you can trust. Pre-employ makes background checks easy and reliable. Speak with a sales representative today. Source

Tag: Senate Bill 397

Oregon Clean Slate Bill Could Provide Many a Second Chance

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