The city of Des Moines, Iowa has recently made new efforts to help those with criminal records seeking employment. On November 15th, 2021, the Des Moines city council passed the “ban-the-box” law which limits employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history or performing background checks until a conditional offer of employment has been made. The law comes not long after the Iowa State Supreme court upheld a provision of a city ordinance in June, 2021 that bans employers from asking about criminal records on employment applications.

The decision was unanimously agreed upon by the council, as it is considered “illegal and discriminatory” for employers to inquire about or check an applicant’s criminal record during the application process. The law defines the “application process” as the time from when an applicant inquires about employment being sought to when an employer presents an offer of employment. This means that under the new law, employers are prohibited from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal record, or performing a background check, before an offer for employment is given. This includes actions such as including questions about a criminal record on applications or forcing an applicant to disclose prior arrests, convictions, or pending charges during the interview process.The exception to this law is that this information is voluntarily disclosed by the applicant at the interview.

Additionally, the law is requiring that all employers comply with federal and state requirements when it comes to conducting applicant background checks. Des Moines, Iowa is now one of many cities and states to have passed a “ban-the-box” law. The law seeks to encourage employers to review and hire individuals based on their qualifications.

Your past shouldn’t keep you from reaching your goals. Looking to buy a house or apply for a job but have a criminal record in the way? Easy Expunctions makes it simple and affordable for you to clear your record so you can look forward to your future. To find out if you’re eligible, visit EasyExpunctions.com today!

The war on drugs is detrimental to society, and it’s time to repair the damages. Recreational marijuana sales rake in millions of dollars each year, and California officials are granting a whopping $35.5 million of accumulated marijuana tax revenue to fund 78 organizations throughout the state.

The grant intends to support communities negatively impacted by the war on drugs. It’s no secret that the war on drugs disproportionately targets lesser-developed communities, which ultimately continues the cycle of poverty, incarceration, and homelessness. Resources implemented to improve the welfare of local communities will receive extended support as a result. From substance use disorder treatments to mental health and medical care, the funds will allow for greater care and protection for California residents. State officials addressed their support for the grant in a recent press release:

“Harsh federal and state drug policies enacted during that period led to the mass incarceration of people of color, decreased access to social services, loss of educational attainment due to diminished federal financial aid eligibility, prohibitions on the use of public housing and other public assistance, and the separation of families.”

The stigma surrounding cannabis-use is slowly but surely being wiped away, and your cannabis-related charges should be, too. If your criminal record is weighing you down, Easy Expunctions can help you clear your name at an affordable price. Give us a call at (866) 775-9983 or visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com to learn more about our services.

A joint statement from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion has announced that the nationwide credit reporting agencies will remove almost 70% of medical collection debt from credit reports. This measure comes as an effort to support people who have been burdened with medical bills, something many deal with as our healthcare system continues to fail Americans.

There will also be a few other changes, including an increased time period before unpaid medical collection debt appears. The decision will give Americans more time to work through the debt with their healthcare provider before it effects their credit scores. This is a step in the right direction, as many people struggle to pay bills from unexpected, one-time medical situations—especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The three CEOs issued the following statement:

“Medical collection debt often arises from unforeseen medical circumstances. These changes are another step we’re taking together to help people across the United States focus on their financial and personal wellbeing.”

If you have information popping up on your background check that makes you undesirable to employers, landlords, or licensing agencies, we understand the struggle. We don’t think a single mistake or situation should control your future, which is why we offer an easier, less expensive way to scrub personal information from the web. Reach out to us today to see how we can help you get on the path towards a brighter future without the burden of a criminal record!

Everyone deserves a second chance, especially surrounding education in a country with college-oriented qualifications. New Jersey lawkmakers demonstrate a refreshing understanding of this reality with a proposed Ban The Box law that would expand protection to students applying to college—a necessary step to ensure that people with a criminal record are given a fair shot at the life they deserve.

A past mistake shouldn’t permananetly label an individual as a criminal. To require a college applicant to disclose their criminal history right off the bat sets them up for failure before they even have the chance to try. Ability, skillset, and hardwork are logical determinations of success, and these charactistics should set qualification standards. Three Assembly members, including Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, state their support for Bill A3869, a law that would prevent instituitions that provide higher, degree-granting education from requiring adults and juveniles to disclose their criminal history on admission applications.

If enacted, the law would allow the future leaders of the United States to obtain the education needed to progress society at a adequate pace—a notion fully dependent on the next generation’s knowledge, as well as their ability to use this knowledge to make a positive impact on their communities.

Don’t let your criminal record stop you from attending the college, institution, or program needed to support your future. Contact the record-clearing experts at Easy Epunctions at (866) 775-9983 or visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com to get the second chance you deserve.

Harker Heights has now become the fifth city in Texas to add a cannabis reform option to the midterm election ballot, which will be taking place this November. The Harker Heights Initiative, with the goal to decriminalize marajuana possession in Harker Heights, comes from larger efforts of the activist group Ground Game Texas. The group, whose goal is to enact cannabis reform policies one city at a time, has already gained signatures from more than 25% of Harker Heights registered voters.

This comes a month after Austin gained enough voter signatures to have similar policy reform added to the ballot. The approval for cannabis reform comes as no surprise as a recent Texas poll showed 60% of voters supported the legalization of marijuana for any use. In addition to decriminalization approval, Austin has also shown overwhelming support for banning no-knock warrants. Besides Austin and Harker Heights, activists have also gained signatures in Killeen, Denton, and Elgin.

If the Harker Heights Freedom Act is approved, then the police will no longer be allowed to issue citations or make arrests in regards to Class A,or Class B, misdemeanor possession of marijuana offenses. Additionally, police will not be able to issue citations for residue or paraphernalia in lieu of a possession charge. Also odor can not be used as probable cause for a search or seizure. Before the act can be approved, the signatures will need to be authorized by city officials in order to make sure the goal has been reached. The new policy will be one of many that will now give citizens the opportunity to vote on cannabis reform, as there are currently very few processes that allow citizens to vote on the matter.

Marijuana charges can make finding a job difficult. If you have previous charges, and are looking to have them expunged, then contact Easy Expunctions! We’ll be able to help you reach the career opportunities you need at an affordable rate!

Illinois has recently signed approval for House Bill 4392, which will now allow positive cannabis tests for those applying for an expunction of criminal charges. The previous law required that individuals seeking an expunction or seal of felony drug convictions to test negative of cannabis usage. The new law, which will go into effect January 1st, 2023, will now do away with this requirement.

The bill will also be applicable to a wide range of violation convictions including: The Illinois Controlled Substances Act, The Methamphetamine Control & Community Protection Act, and The Cannabis Control Act. Additionally, the bill will also be applied to records of felony drug offenses that qualify for probation. Many lawmakers are hopeful that this bill will help make the expunction process easier for many, helping individuals seeking job opportunities, and allowing people to act as participating members of society.

If you have a previous cannabis conviction that is preventing you from finding job employment, visit EasyExpunctions.com or call +1 (877) 628-1214 to learn more about how you can have your records expunged.

After the House and Senate committees of Rhode Island approved legislation legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, the governor signed the bill into law. Fortunately, the bill will ultimately benefit tens of thousands of people with past marijuana convictions. The legislation will erase any prior civil violation, misdemeanor, or felony conviction for the possession of marijuana from court records. Looking at decades of past marijuana violations in their computer systems, the courts found 27,000 cases that would be eligible for expunction.

However, the bill is going to pose some challenges for the court record system. Some cases are going to be easier to expunge than others depending on the severity. For example, civil violations – where a person was in possession of one ounce or less – will be easier to remove than cases where possession was part of a case involving other charges. The challenge with these cases is that they will need to have the charges extracted through an electronic computer search. And if the charge was done before electronic fillings, then court officials will need to go through the paper files by hand.

Given the task at hand, court officials are asking for the time and money to be able to complete the expunctions. The legislation will give the courts until July 2024 to provide automatic expungements to those eligible and expedite those looking to have them expunged earlier. In addition, Gov. McKee has added $340,000 to his budget proposal to help the system. The funds would help cover overtime pay for court workers and hiring a contract worker to manage the expungements. The funds are to be sourced from future marijuana sales.

Are your criminal charges preventing you from receiving employment? Not sure if your case would be eligible for expunction? Then contact Easy Expunctions! We provide easy and affordable expunctions that will get you to your goals. Visit EasyExpunctions.com or call (866) 775-9989 to learn more.

Florida’s Governor DeSantis approved HB 195, a bill that allows juveniles to have felony charges expunged from their records, a year after vetoing the measure. The most recent session’s version broadens the access minors have to expunging lesser felonies and misdemeanors from their records. This access now allows minors to clear charges after completing a diversion program but excludes forcible felonies. Forcible felonies include violent crimes like murder, rape, and kidnapping. By adding this exclusion, the bill secured its passage by DeSantis whose initial veto cited concern for public safety.

The original proponent of the legislation, the Florida Juvenile Justice Association, hopes that by providing a pathway out of the criminal justice system, minors will be able to grow from their mistakes. Sponsors of the bill also note the fiscal and public safety benefits of the legislation. A cleared record provides more opportunity for education and employment, especially with early intervention. Additionally, expunction is proven to reduce recidivism— improving crime rates and reducing money spent by state prisons. With these collateral benefits to the legislation, it is more than just a criminal justice bill but also a workforce development bill.

Pro-expunction legislation not only affects the individual with a criminal record by altering the trajectory of their life, but it benefits society as a whole. Further, rehabilitation for juvenile offenders occurs on a uniquely developmental level, allowing for effective reintegration into society. Over 26,000 minors will benefit from the measure. With HB 195 going into effect on July 1, 2022, the bill provides a basis on which later legislation for adult expunction can be built on and inspired by.

If your record is preventing you from achieving your goals, look no further than Easy Expunctions, an affordable online record cleaning solution committed to helping you back on your feet. Your situation is unique, so Easy Expunctions offers different packages tailored to your specific needs! Join our thousands of happy customers by visiting our website, EasyExpuntions.com, or speak with an expert at (866) 775-9983 to learn more.

House Bill 3316 has been approved by Gov. Kevin Stitt, making Oklahoma the sixth state to adopt an automatic expunction system. The bill, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, follows an interim study issued to look into problems with expunction in Oklahoma. When Miller found that the system needed to be reformed, she was approached by many to author a bill on the legislation. Advocates such as Marilyn Davidson, the Oklahoma State Director for Right on Crime, were hopeful that the bill would help those previously incarcerated find employment.

The state will be joining Delaware, Pennsylvania, Utah, Michigan, and Connecticut in adopting an automatic expunction system. The Clean Slate Initiative, a national bipartisan coalition dedicated to advancing automatic expunction policies, will be coming in to help set up the technological aspects of the system. The legislature, set to go into effect Nov. 1st, will help those with eligible records by having them automatically expunged. Not only will this help individuals gain employment, but also help avoid the extra cost and time of hiring a lawyer and attending court.

Don’t let your criminal record get in the way of your future goals. If you’re having trouble getting a job or finding an education because of your record, Easy Expunctions is here to help. We provide easy and affordable record-cleaning services that are specific to your circumstances. Visit EasyExpunctions.com or call (866) 775-9983 to learn more!

The Tampa City Council is working towards helping individuals who have served time in prison return to the workforce and re-enter society. Their multi-pronged approach includes the “Ban The Box” effort which aims to remove the question of an individual’s criminal history from job applications. The council is also hoping to have the city commit to $150,000 in funding for an apprenticeship program that is intended to train those with criminal histories in useful trades.

This approach is in response to the high number of individuals who have committed crimes and served their time yet face punishment every day still. Returning citizens face an unemployment rate of 27%. Many with criminal records are rejected from employment due to their record. The City of Tampa hopes that by increasing the employment rate of this population, they might also prevent individuals from returning to a crime. With more capable hands rejoining society, the city hopes to see reduced crime and a stronger economy.

Individuals with criminal records face unimaginable barriers well after their crimes have been settled. With no way to make money safely, the recidivism rate skyrockets in areas with no regulation like the “Ban The Box” effort. The City’s efforts offer a helping hand to returning citizens so that they might rejoin society as productive individuals. By shifting responsibility from the individual to resolve their record, Tampa will aid these citizens in their endeavors to recover.

If you have reached a roadblock along the way to your goals because of your criminal record, Easy Expunctions has a solution. We offer accessible and affordable record-clearing services tailored to your unique circumstances!