The faults within the American system are in crucial need of improvement, and the pandemic brought a number of devastating issues to light. The Trump Administration’s lack of protection toward small business owners with a criminal record has affected hundreds of thousands of American citizens and their families, and although new policies have been implemented, many damages are beyond repair.

The Trump Administration denied federal aid to over 200,000 small business owners during the pandemic, and a recent study revealed that background checks played an enormous role in determining these qualifications. As a result, a shocking amount of businesses and their employees suffered tremendous losses, with the likelihood of full recovery being very slim. According to the study, 4 percent of small business owners in the United States have a criminal record, and around 24 percent of those unqualified for Covid-19 PPP were African American. Not only did the Trump Administration unapologetically fail to financially protect a significant portion of deserving citizens, they fueled the already prevalent cycle of racial discrimination within our nation.

Overall, the decision to bar small business owners from financial support based on their criminal history displayed just how easy and harmful it is for national leaders to oppress an individual’s ability to climb the socio-economic ladder. If a criminal record is keeping you from the job, home, or life you deserve, place the power back into your own hands with simple and affordable record-clearing packages from Easy Expunctions. Visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com to learn more.

A person is not their criminal record, and the state of New York might be ready to recognize this by removing scarlet letters from the chest of formerly incarcerated individuals. In a recent hearing, the New York Senate discussed a bill that would seal and expunge the criminal records of roughly two million rehabilitated New Yorkers convicted of serious crimes.

The proposed legislation would create a two-step process for New Yorkers with completed prison sentences. First, an individual’s conviction record would automatically be sealed, then later automatically expunged. During the hearing, formerly imprisoned individuals spoke to New York Senators about their experiences post imprisonment. Many of them came to the same conclusion: even if you’ve fully completed your sentence, you must return to society with a tainted reputation and limited opportunities, which ultimately results in “perpetual punishment.” America’s lack of employment, housing, and economic opportunities for individuals with a criminal history can stretch a five-year sentence into a lifetime sentence, keeping deserving citizens and their families in a cruel cycle of poverty, incarceration, and homelessness.

Don’t let your criminal record keep you from pursuing the life you deserve. Easy Expunctions offers seamless and affordable record-clearing packages, without the hassle of hiring a lawyer. If you’re interested in taking your life back into your own hands, get in touch with Easy Expunctions at (866) 775-9983.

Amazon recently announced that they plan to stop drug testing many positions for marijuana. But they aren’t stopped there—they also plan to join the movement by actively lobbying Congress to end marijuana prohibition across the country.

The company posted the following to its news site:

“In the past, like many employers, we’ve disqualified people from working at Amazon if they tested positive for marijuana use. However, given where state laws are moving across the U.S., we’ve changed course. We will no longer include marijuana in our comprehensive drug screening program for any positions not regulated by the Department of Transportation, and will instead treat it the same as alcohol use. We will continue to do impairment checks on the job and will test for all drugs and alcohol after any incident.

And because we know that this issue is bigger than Amazon, our public policy team will be actively supporting The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2021 (MORE Act)—federal legislation that would legalize marijuana at the federal level, expunge criminal records, and invest in impacted communities. We hope that other employers will join us, and that policymakers will at swiftly to pass this law”

This is huge news, as Amazon is one of the US’s largest employers, and their workforce stretches across every state. Now more workers will feel free to apply without fear of abrupt termination due to a drug that is legal for recreational use in a growing number of states. This is a wise move overall, as Amazon has previously faced lawsuits from workers fired for using legal, medicinal marijuana.

If you’re struggling with a marijuana charge that causes many landlords and companies to overlook you, Easy Expunctions can help. Sign up for a free background report to get started—we can determine what exactly is on your record and what is eligible for an expunction using our software. You don’t need to hire an expensive lawyer who will take a long time to scrub your record from the courts… Easy Expunctions can do it for a fraction of the cost and time.

Michiganders convicted of a single drunk driving offense may be offered a second chance under a piece of legislation recently passed by the Michigan House. If the governor approves the bill, an individual’s first-time drunk driving offense may qualify for expungement five years after their sentence and/or probation has been completed. It’s noteworthy that this only applies if the crime did not result in serious bodily harm or death of another person.

A criminal history places significant barriers on job and housing opportunities, even if the convicted individual demonstrates rehabilitated behavior. Michigan’s new law symbolizes hope for Michigan citizens suffering from a one-time drunk driving conviction that occurred five to ten to twenty years ago. An exponential amount of growth and maturity occurs in the span of five years, and it’s unreasonable to prevent a person from pursuing their life of choice because of a minor mistake they made before evolving into their true self. If the governor approves the bill, the state of Michigan will offer its citizens a virtue long overdue—forgiveness.

You deserve to be forgiven. Free yourself from the shackles of a past conviction with record-clearing technology from Easy Expunction. For more information, visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com or give us a call at (866) 775-9983.

The California Legislature is currently considering a new bill—SB 731—that would limit employers’ access to many criminal records. If enacted, there will be a four-year limit, meaning that they won’t be able to see criminal records go beyond the last four years. This wouldn’t just apply to employers: banks, credit unions, insurance companies, mortgage brokers, broker-dealers, and Tribal Gaming Commissions would also only be allowed to look at the last four years rather than their usual mandated ten-year checks.

According to a press release from Senator Maria Elena Durazo, one of the lawmakers who introduced the bill, SB 731 “would implement a comprehensive system to prospectively and retroactively seal conviction and arrest records through a structured approach to sunsetting conviction histories.” The system has other essential features as well: it would automatically seal all arrest records that don’t result in a conviction and introduce phased relief for records by expanding record sealing to all sentences once offenders have completed their sentencing terms and completed an additional period without re-offending.

While it’s expected that many groups will appeal to keep the existing seven-year criminal record check term, the bill is generally expected to pass and be signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

We’re thrilled to see progress like this in states across the US. You shouldn’t have to continue to pay for the mistakes you made years ago, especially if you’ve maintained a clean record since. Why should someone who is otherwise qualified for a position be turned away because of an old mistake they’ve already paid for? If you’re tired of employers seeing your criminal record, we might be able to help. Get in touch with us to see if there are charges or records we can eliminate with our fast and affordable record-clearing software.

Good news for Arizonans who have had difficulties finding employment opportunities, occupational licenses, and housing: House Bill 2067, recently signed into law by Gov. Doug Ducey, allows many with certain criminal offenses to set aside prior convictions. The amendments made to Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-905 will allow individuals who have successfully fulfilled probation and sentencing conditions to apply to have the prior convictions set aside. They would then receive a Certificate of Second Chance, which will prevent them from being barred from obtaining a required occupational license.

This is a step in the right direction for criminal justice reform. As the country’s attitude towards criminal records changes, we’re faced with the knowledge that individuals who are otherwise qualified for occupations are frequently turned away due to unfair stigmas. This amendment will change that.

The amendment takes effect on August 27th of this year–starting on this date, ex-offenders can seek to set aside convictions and effectively expand their employment opportunities. Though it’s not exactly on the level of some states’ current automatic expunction laws, we definitely applaud lawmakers for these initial actions that will benefit so many people with criminal records. However, Arizona still does not offer an actual expunction law, so these individuals will still have to disclose their convictions if they are asked to do so.

If you’re tired of being rejected from positions you know you’re qualified for, it’s possible that your criminal record is to blame. You don’t have to endure the weight of a criminal record if it’s eligible for an expunction. Reach out to the experts at Easy Expunctions to see what we can do for you and your future employment prospects.

The nationwide confusion regarding the FDA’s approval of the production and consumption of hemp derivatives such as CBD has prompted a new Senate bill, one that would relieve hemp farmers, processors, and merchants from unnecessary restrictions.

The FDA is in no hurry to update regulations on hemp-derived CBD products. As a result, workers and business owners across the country are expressing concern regarding real economic gain from the product. Although hemp is technically legal, the FDA’s lack of approval for hemp-derived dietary products has blocked off a significant portion of health-conscious consumers. While the FDA takes its sweet time, others are taking action to define a more transparent set of regulations.

Under the recently proposed Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act, “hemp, hemp-derived cannabidiol, or a substance containing any other ingredient derived from hemp” are exempt from unreasonable restrictions. The new Senate bill intends to assure consumers that CBD products are safe and beneficial, allowing farmers and processors to ensure real economic benefits.

Policy changes don’t happen overnight. If a previous arrest or conviction is keeping you stagnant, stop waiting for a second chance and take action into your own hands with the help of Easy Expunctions. Get in touch with us at (866) 775-9983 or by visiting our website at EasyExpunctions.com to learn more about our easy and affordable record-clearing packages!

One new bill, so many wins. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently signed House Bill 701, a milestone legislation for cannabis users, Montanans with cannabis-related convictions, and Montanans seeking recovery and treatment for drug addiction.

The new law permits retail sales of recreational marijuana for Montanans 21 and older. It also implements a 20 percent tax on recreational cannabis, while medical maintains its 5 percent tax. Fortunately, the heavy tax on recreational pot was drafted with the welfare of Montana citizens at top of mind. The state will use the millions of dollars accumulated each year from marijuana sales to support a drug treatment program known as the HEART Fund (Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment). Governor Gianforte demonstrates a refreshing eagerness to accommodate the wants and needs of Montana citizens by actively listening to voters, and finding solutions that benefit the state in more ways than one.

Additionally, HB 701 calls for greater fairness within the Montana Justice System by creating a special drug court to reanalyze and even re-sentence or expunge previous cannabis-related offenses. Montana legislators clearly recognize the cruelty of the state’s previous marijuana laws and are taking action to support the wellbeing of all Montanans, including those with criminal records.

There is always hope for a better future. Easy Expunctions offers a seamless record-clearing process, so you can stop worrying about a past conviction and start planning for your future. Visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com for more information!

The American view is evolving, and it’s time for employers to keep up. A recent survey analyzed by Kelly, a talent company that employs and connects hundreds of thousands of people based on skill and specific workstyles, concluded that the majority of Americans are against discriminatory hiring practices, namely those against individuals with criminal records. According to the survey, Americans believe hiring decisions should be based on skill rather than an applicant’s non-violent criminal history, not only because it’s the morally correct thing to do but also because it benefits the national economy.

A non-violent offense shouldn’t bar a person from landing a job that’s compatible with their abilities. Allowing employers to immediately toss applications based on superfluous information, like a previous cannabis conviction, reduces the talent pool significantly. The logic behind breaking these barriers is simple: It’s easier to ensure quality work when skill and knowledge are the basis of hiring decisions. A criminal record does not indicate poor performance, and a spotless record certainly does not improve qualifications.

Aside from economic benefits, expanding employment opportunities for individuals with non-violent criminal offenses offers hope for millions of Americans and their families. Greater job opportunities make for greater housing opportunities, which helps deserving individuals climb the rigorous socioeconomic ladder. Now that the evolved American point-of-view has been recorded and analyzed, we can only hope that employers are listening.

Stop waiting for a second chance and take action into your own hands with easy and affordable record-clearing technology from Easy Expunctions. Visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com to learn more!

Having your criminal record expunged can be a costly and challenging process. Tenessee’s lawmakers have decided to work together to reduce this cost and help individuals with criminal records have their records cleared for almost no cost. Starting July 1st, the state expungement fee could be zero dollars, thanks to the new law that allows the state to no longer have a mandatory expungement fee.

Under the new legislation, an expungement fee will now be up to the county clerks’ discretion and can not be more than $100. This law will open up many doors for those who have a criminal record by making the expungement process much more affordable and therefore more accessible.

The new law will also expand the type of offenses eligible for expungement. These offenses include Class C, D, and E felonies or most related theft offenses. The new law also allows for more severe crimes to be expunged after a specified period of time.

The end goal in mind is to allow the expungement of records to be automatic, and this new legislation is getting one step closer to achieving this goal. Tennessee wants to help people move on in life and find employment and housing opportunities, which can be very difficult to do when a criminal record follows you. The proposed legislation is still under review.

If you feel you’re having a hard time navigating the costly expunction process, we can help. Our software saves you money and time. Simply sign up for a free background report on EasyExpunctions.com to get started!