Justice Action Network Praises Arizona Legislature for Unanimously Passing Workforce Expansion Act, Removing Barriers to Employment

Reducing barriers to occupational licenses will expand opportunity for those with unrelated criminal records, bolster labor pool, strengthen economy.

Phoenix, AZ – In a significant bipartisan victory, the Arizona Legislature unanimously passed the Workforce Expansion Act (House Bill 2308) today. The bill, which is now headed to the governor for final approval, will reduce barriers to employment in Arizona by limiting the ability for licensing agencies to deny an otherwise qualified applicant an occupational license solely due to a past criminal offense that is unrelated to the occupation for which the license is sought. The legislation also introduces a way for individuals who have been denied a license to seek an independent review by the Office of Administrative Hearings if the denial is based on a criminal offense unrelated to their occupation of choice. 

"The unanimous, bipartisan passage of HB 2308 in both chambers elevates Arizona as an example for the rest of the nation when it comes to reducing bureaucratic barriers to work for those who have earned a second chance,” said Lauren Krisai, Deputy Director for the Justice Action Network (JAN), “By providing clarity and increasing opportunity in the licensure process, the Workforce Expansion Act promotes economic opportunity for all Arizonans and ensures that individuals have a fair chance to pursue their chosen professions. We congratulate Representative Grantham for his hard work on the bill and the legislature for their unanimous support. We’d also like to thank the Goldwater Institute, who has been instrumental in building support and momentum for the bill. Arizona communities will be safer and the state’s economy will be stronger because of their hard work."