The California Fair Employment and Housing Council (FEHC) has recently proposed altering the state’s non-discrimination laws in regards to automated decision-making systems (ADS), including tools with artificial intelligence and machine learning used in the process of hiring employees. This change would hold employers who utilize these services accountable for any discrimination they may cause and employment agencies selling these services.

These automated decision-making systems often consist of algorithms used to screen resumes, test interviews, and measure personality traits, performance, and aptitudes throughout the employment process. An ADS assists the employer by automating employment decisions based on criteria. This proposal prohibits the intentionally discriminatory use of these algorithms and the neutral use that results in discriminatory outcomes. Often these systems are shown to exacerbate discriminatory patterns, failing to recognize skills and qualifications one might have due to their race, culture, criminal history, education, etc.

If this proposal is passed, it will ensure a more fair chance for all applicants, regardless of their background. It will push employers to improve their systems of employment to be more inclusive. The workforce would benefit from the skills of those discriminated against while rewarding merit instead of punishing differences. Automated decision-making systems and those utilizing them should be held to the standards of state non-discrimination laws, and it is the state’s duty to hold technology accountable as it evolves. Discriminatory systems enforce the cyclical nature of poverty, lack of education, and crime as they reject qualified individuals based on algorithms.

ADS typically discriminates strongly against those with criminal records. Easy Expunctions is passionate about helping you clear your record and setting yourself up for future success in employment, housing, and education. Easy Expunctions offers easy, fully-online expunction services at an affordable cost. Reclaim your fair chance by visiting EasyExpunctions.com or calling (866) 775-9983 and speaking to a friendly expert about your eligibility today.

The Montana Supreme Court passed a temporary rule which assists in the expunction of marijuana-related convictions. This new rule will hopefully help clear up confusion over how previous convictions of pot-related offenses may have their records cleared. The new recreational cannabis law states that anyone with previous marijuana-related convictions can now petition to have these charges removed, reduce their sentence, or have the charge reclassified to a lesser offense.

This temporary ruling will go into effect upon approval by the Montana Supreme Court and remain in effect until a unique marijuana conviction court is created according to the Montana Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, part of the marijuana legalization initiatives passed in the 2020 election. Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 701 last summer, implementing the new adult-use cannabis program. Beginning in January, Montant recreational marijuana sales have amassed almost $12.9 million in sales. While the state’s sales systems functioned smoothly, the expunction process has been met with more varied results. Although some find the process accessible, others in particular districts have found that there lingers a negative sentiment about marijuana-related charges in some courts.

Those seeking expunction across the country have historically been met with an inaccessible, expensive, and highly stigmatized system. A successful expunction can be necessary for those seeking employment, housing, education, etc. This new rule will express to all state judges that they must presume a case qualifies unless proven otherwise by the prosecution.

An expunction is possible for you or your loved ones with Easy Expunctions. At Easy Expunctions, we believe a clean record should be easy, affordable, and accessible to all. Our record cleaning process is available 100% online with a quick eligibility check. Give yourself a second chance and set your future up for success by visiting EasyExpunctions.com or calling (866) 775-9983!

The court system has a history of valuing money over deservingness. Expensive court fees and fines add up quickly, which places low-income Americans at a greater likelihood of poverty than expunction. A criminal record places barriers on housing, jobs, and licensing opportunities, making the path to a fresh start only possible for people who have the finances to pay off all court debts and fees.

A new report titled “The High Cost of a Fresh Start” addresses the uneven playing field between financially stable individuals with criminal records and those who lack the funds to pay off their court debt. State laws that place late fees and interest charges on individuals with unpaid court debt practically destroy the option of a second chance for low-income citizens with a criminal record. An unpaid fine or fee should not result in a life sentence in poverty. The executive director of CCRC, Margaret Love, expresses her dismay toward unfair state laws within the court system:

“Criminal record clearing must not be reserved only for those who can easily pay for it…States should ensure people are not being priced out of a chance at a fresh start.”

Income is not the only clear division in our court system. Black and Brown communities are at higher risks of incarceration than white communities, which keeps them in a vicious cycle of poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. If a clear record is the path to success, we must make it achievable for all Americans, not just for some. If fairness and equality aren’t demonstrated within our justice system, where can we expect to find it?

A clear record empowers you, and our goal is to make the path toward success simple and accessible. Stop worrying about expensive lawyer fees and contact our record-clearing experts at Easy Expunctions. Give us a call at (866) 775-998 or visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com to learn more.

The “Ban the Box” policy is now officially in effect for the federal government. This policy is aimed at supporting qualified candidates with criminal histories to compete for employment by barring the requirement of discussion and reporting of such criminal histories until after a conditional offer of employment. “Ban the Box” was introduced by the Fair Chance Act, which went into effect on December 20, 2021, for all federal agencies. The Fair Chance Act hoped to level the playing field for those seeking employment with criminal records.

This law prohibits all federal agencies from requiring any form of disclosure of criminal history prior to extending a conditional offer of employment. Prohibited information includes records of arrest, indictment, dispositions, or other criminal charges. Although the law does not completely exclude discussion of criminal histories from the employment process, it significantly alters its role in hiring by changing the timing of such questioning. The Fair Chance Act allows employers to objectively review a potential candidate’s skills and qualifications before addressing their criminal history.

Although the “Ban the Box” policy is not yet a widespread law, its enactment by the federal government is evidence of a marked increase in public support for the empowerment of individuals with criminal histories who wish to rejoin the workforce. Action to support individuals with criminal records benefits the workforce by reintroducing qualified individuals and it reduces strain on the criminal justice system by preventing recidivism.

Don’t let your criminal history hold you back from important employment, housing, and education opportunities. Easy Expunctions offers simple, quick, and affordable record cleaning services without the hassle. We’re passionate about helping you secure your future. Reach out to the professionals at EasyExpunctions.com or call (866) 775-9983 to see if you’re eligible!

Rhode Island is following in the footsteps of the many states seeking to reap the benefits of legalizing recreational marijuana with the introduction of a legalization bill that also includes a “Social Equity” measure which will provide the means to expunge the records of those with prior convictions. These expunctions are available to those with misdemeanor and felony charges of cannabis possession for amounts that would be decriminalized by the new bill.

This bill proposes the legalization of the sale and possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for those 21 and over, and up to ten ounces allowed for personal use and kept in one’s residence. It also introduces various marijuana taxes such as a 10% state excise tax which would help support the financial facet of the legalization of marijuana. By including the “Social Equity” feature of the bill, legislators effectively support not only the legalization of marijuana possession but also decriminalizing it for those previously convicted by the prohibition.

The illegality of marijuana disproportionately affects those in low-income communities and drastically harms their ability to find jobs, education, and even safe housing. Furthermore, having a criminal record increases the likelihood that individuals will re-offend as it prevents them from access to stable occupations and living situations. Expunctions of these records is not an easily accessible option for most as it is extremely tedious, time-consuming, and expensive (often requiring the employment of a lawyer).

Although efforts are being made to increase the accessibility of expungement services to all, you or someone you know may not find it a readily available option. Easy Expunctions offers you a second chance at a clean slate. At Easy Expunctions we strive to provide quick, easy, and affordable record cleaning services available to you in a 100% online process! Don’t hold yourself back from a safe and secure future- call the expunction experts at (866) 775-9983 or visit our website EasyExpunctions.com to find out if you’re eligible!

With the rates of arrests rising to nearly one in three adults in the United States, employers may want to reconsider the implications of criminal histories in potential employees. A recent study discovered that almost half of the United States’ unemployed men have criminal records. A strong connection can be drawn between the mass-incarceration rates in the United States and its subsequent effects on unemployment.

Typically, those bearing criminal records find employment a daunting, insurmountable task due to the often rigorous background checks imposed by employers. Employers might avoid hiring those with criminal histories for fear of re-offending or for potential negligent hire lawsuits. However, by being unemployed, individuals with criminal records find themselves stuck, unable to find housing or education to pull themselves out, especially without access to jobs.

This study highlights the (increasingly commonplace) occurrence of arrest to be something employers should avoid discriminating against. Employment of individuals with criminal records functions to reduce the likelihood of re-offending. Discrimination against people of color with criminal histories is even more prevalent according to this study, which confirms the vastly different realities faced by minorities versus white people.

It is crucial that employers work with the criminal justice system to assist in the rehabilitation and increased economic/social mobility of those with criminal histories in order to reduce crime and incarceration rates across the country.

If you or someone you know has faced closed doors such as job denial due to their criminal record, Easy Expunctions may be able to help open them back up. At Easy Expunctions we’re passionate about cleaning criminal records to support you on your journey towards a more secure future. With a clean slate, anything is possible. Visit EasyExpunctions.com or call the friendly professionals at (866) 775-9983 to see if you are eligible!

Ranking third in the country for overall incarceration rates, Oklahoma is seeking to reform its criminal justice system. HB3316, the “Clean Slate” law, would provide automatic expunctions for those eligible for the program, streamlining the record-clearing process. Currently, Oklahoma provides the option of expunction to eligible individuals. However it is rarely followed through upon and many are not even aware of the option. Around 93% of eligible individuals do not obtain expungement relief. Furthermore, the process of expunction is often expensive and time-consuming, typically requiring a lawyer and court fees.

The “Clean Slate” law is expected to see a 2.8% drop in unemployment of those with criminal records, once it is in effect. This law not only rewards good behavior, but also reduces administrative costs and judicial resources for the courts. In the past, individuals seeking expungement were required to hire an attorney, schedule a hearing, and appear before a judge. An estimated 100,000 individuals will be directly impacted by the law who are currently unable to afford the legal fees involved in today’s process.

Due to the complex nature of the current record-clearing procedure, many with criminal histories are left bearing the full weight of a record for which they have, in the eyes of the court, been atoned. Reoffending is more common when those with criminal histories are denied jobs, housing, and education. Some may feel trapped by their pasts, unable to move forward into society and the workforce. The “Clean Slate” law seeks to rehabilitate and empower these individuals to begin again.

Easy Expunctions offers eligible individuals who are not impacted by HB3316 the opportunity for a clean slate. At Easy Expunctions, we pride ourselves on a simple, inexpensive, and 100% online record-clearing process. Give yourself the gift of a secure tomorrow by clicking EasyExpunctions.com or calling (866) 775-9983 and speaking with the friendly professionals at EE!

Ann Arbor, MI is revolutionizing its criminal justice system by utilizing marijuana tax revenue to fund free expunctions for qualifying participants. In an effort to rehabilitate and empower those with criminal histories, the city of Ann Arbor is offering record clearing at no cost for the removal of previous misdemeanor and felony charges in just a few simple steps. This expungement program is made possible through a partnership between Ann Arbor’s 15th District Court and the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office.

The new program began this fiscal year and has already benefited more than 50 people. It was started in association with another criminal justice reform program that is focused on diverting susceptibles from the criminal justice system. There are five easy steps to utilizing this program: Make an appointment with a probation supervisor, complete a quick interview, fill out an application, get fingerprinted through the Ann Arbor police department, and your final step is a court hearing.

Typically, the process of expunging one’s records is tedious, complicated, and expensive. Ann Arbor hopes that by making it free, it will encourage those who are hesitant to take advantage of expunction, a process that often opens up the playing field for those with a criminal history. Often, those with records find employment, housing, and even education difficult to navigate, facing denial and rejection at every turn. Expunction is a highly beneficial step on the path to recovery as it allows for easier reintegration.

At EE, we’re committed to equipping those with criminal histories to reenter the workforce or find safe housing by cleaning records and offering second chances. We do this by maintaining a quick and painless expunction process that is 100% online, and affordable! Find out if you are eligible for one of our packages today by visiting EasyExpunctions.com or calling (877) 890-5081.

There’s been a lot of talk about marijuana policy reforms in Alabama, but the approval of a new bill that would decriminalize and provide expungements for marijuana-related charges offers real hope for Alabamians living with outdated convictions on their criminal record. The proposed legislation is sponsored by Sen. Bobby Singleton (D), and is currently awaiting approval from the Senate.

If the law is passed, Alabamians would face a fine reduced to $250 for possessing less than two ounces of marijuana, a simple violation when compared to the threat of jail time and expensive court fees. It’s hard to understand how state policies have the ability to penalize people for cannabis use when studies show how beneficial it can be for people living with anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, PTSD, and physical pain from injuries or diseases. If the Senate chooses to approve the bill, automatic expungements for people with cannabis-related charges should be a top priority.

There is no logical reason for our system to place barriers on employment, housing, and occupational licenses for marijuana possession. If states continue to criminalize cannabis use, it’s safe to assume that certain state leaders either lack knowledge about its benefits, or they’ve chosen to allow discrimination to take place within their region. It’s no secret that law enforcement has a history of disproportionately incarcerating people living in Black and Brown communities, which ultimately traps deserving citizens in a cruel cycle of homeless and poverty. An individual’s decision to use marijuana should not prevent them from climbing the socioeconomic ladder, and it’s simply illogical and immoral to keep the same policies in play.

Alabama’s proposed bill could mark a huge turning point for many Americans living in southern states. If your criminal record detriments your full potential, stop waiting for reform and take matters into your own hands with the help of Easy Expunctions. Contact our record-clearing professionals at (866) 775-9983 or visit our website at EasyExpunctions.com to learn more.

West Virginia’s House of Delegates recently adopted the bill HB 4522 that provides automatic expunction for those with qualifying criminal records. Although state law already allows for expunction via petitioning the court, this new house bill will help expedite the process and maximize the use of expunction. According to this bill, upon a defendant’s acquittal, the presiding judge would be required to issue an expunction order. This bill does not provide automatic expunction for those whose charges were dropped in exchange for a guilty plea.

The expunction process can be expensive, tedious, and time-consuming. The nature of this process is often too daunting a task for those qualifying for its benefits. Because expunctions are not always followed through, many with criminal records must face further punishment. The consequences for those with criminal records typically manifest as poor hireability, denial from housing, and loan refusal. Oftentimes, these consequences trap people in cycles of denial and can lead to reoffending, something the state is seeking to prevent.

Passage of this bill into law would mean thousands of people with criminal records may re-enter the workforce, find safe and affordable housing, and apply for loans. HB 4522 seeks to rehabilitate, and offer those who are struggling the opportunity to get back onto their feet. According to the bill, expungement would be effective 30 days after acquittal. The bill has advanced to the Senate for further consideration.

At Easy Expunctions, we strive to transform the process of criminal record expunction. Our procedure is painless, affordable, and quick. No one should be denied their right to a second chance. Take the first step by visiting EasyExpunctions.com or calling (866) 775-9983!