Prostitution is not a charge limited to women; men can also fall into prostitution. While some prostitutes are costly personal escorts, many prostitutes are disenfranchised, poor, mentally ill, and dealing with substance abuse. LGBTQ+ homeless youths are at risk of falling into prostitution to find income.
Pennsylvania’s current Clean Slate Law took effect in 2019, and allows for some criminal histories to be hidden from public view. Now lawmakers are considering an expansion to that existing law.
In August, the California State Legislature approved Assembly Bill 2188. AB 2188 would prevent employers from discriminating against their employees who lawfully use marijuana outside of work. If signed into law, the bill would ensure that those who fail drug tests that detect inactive cannabis compounds could not be terminated.
On August 10, 2022, Los Angeles tenets of sued Sam Zelle’s Equity Residential for invasion of privacy and failing to disclose background checks that had been performed on tenets. Background checks for prospective tenants are not out of the ordinary, however, it is expected that these background checks be made visible to those being investigated.
Everyone deserves a right to three things—food, water, and shelter. An individual’s criminal record shouldn’t determine whether or not they deserve stable housing, and landlords shouldn’t hold the power to make decisions based on personal biases and beliefs.
On August 18, 2022, the California Senate approved Senate Bill 731, and now the bill is on its way to Governor Gavin Newson for deliberation. If approved by the governor and signed into law, this bill would seal records of defendants convicted of non-violent felonies on or after January 1, 2005.
August 22, 2022, New York City’s Mayor, Eric Adams, announced the launch of Cannabis NYC, a program under the city’s Department of Small Business that will promote equity in the cannabis industry by supporting those most impacted by the drug war.
New York City Council is once again facing a bill that would prevent most landlords from inquiring about a prospective tenant’s criminal history. The bill, also known as the Fair Chance for Housing Act, encourages the concept that housing is a fundamental right.
Following the legalized use and sale of recreational cannabis last year, New Mexico District Attorneys are reviewing cannabis-related cases for expungement. In addition to the legalization bill, there is an accompanying bill to automatically expunge criminal records with cannabis charges that are no longer illegal.
Last month, the U.S. Senate was introduced to a marijuana reform bill that seeks to federally legalize marijuana and promote social equity. The first draft, unveiled over a year ago, has been revised into its final version consisting of 296 pages that now incorporate feedback from more than 1,800 comments.