Law360: Have a Criminal Record? COVID-19 Relief May Be Out Of Reach

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The exclusions in both programs have drawn the ire of groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and the Justice Action Network. They joined 17 other organizations in objecting to the criminal record restrictions via an April 17 letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.

"The restrictions will have a particularly harsh effect on minority business owners and employees who are disproportionately affected by the criminal legal system as a result of institutional discrimination," the letter states.

Inimai Chettiar, federal legislative and policy director for the Justice Action Network, said she thinks the restrictions could be cause for a lawsuit.

"The letter we signed explains that it's inconsistent with congressional intent, overbroad and racially discriminatory," she noted. "I think it could definitely be challenged in court, but obviously we are trying to change it administratively or through legislation so it doesn't need to get that point."

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https://www.law360.com/articles/1269641/have-a-criminal-record-covid-19-relief-may-be-out-of-reach