Fair Chance Licensing Project: States Expand Access to In-Demand Jobs

Nearly 1 in 4 jobs in the U.S. require a government-issued license—yet many people with a criminal record are prohibited from receiving occupational licenses, which can have devastating effects for people, workforces, and safety.

STATE-BY-STATE LAWS

The Solution

Our national framework can help states implement fair chance licensing legislation, increase employment, and reduce recidivism:

FAIR CHANCE FRAMEWORK

Nick’s Story

Nick Aponte served 23 years in prison in Connecticut, where he became a nurse’s aide in the prison infirmary. Despite his experience and passion for hospice work, his criminal record has prevented him from obtaining a nursing license in the community.

Project Credits

Writing: Josh Gaines, Chidi Umez-Rowley, CSG Justice Center

Research: Josh Gaines, Martin Harris, Korey Johnson, CSG Justice Center

Advising: Le’Ann Duran, Nicole Jarrett, Shannon Moriarty, CSG Justice Center

Editing: Leslie Griffin, CSG Justice Center

Design: Michael Bierman

Web Development: Caroline Cournoyer, CSG Justice Center

Public Affairs: Sarah Kelley, CSG Justice Center

Video Production: Top Notch Cinema, Zero Gravity, ThinkTV

This project was conducted with support from Arnold Ventures. We would also like to thank the people who appeared in the project videos: Nick Aponte, Lester Young, and State Representative Kyle Koehler.