IJ Issue
Fresh Start
IJ Eliminates Barriers to Work for People with Criminal Records
A job is one of the best ways for people with criminal records not to re-offend. But strict occupational licensing requirements make it harder for people with criminal records to find work, thwarting their chances of successful reentry. Along with other “collateral consequences,” individuals can be denied a license to work simply because of their criminal record.
Today, roughly 1 in 3 adult Americans has a criminal record of some kind, while nearly 1 in 5 needs a license to work. Thanks to the dramatic growth in both mass incarceration and occupational licensing, millions of Americans with criminal records are barred from working in the career path of their choice. Many licensing laws have clauses that permanently bar ex-offenders from working without any individualized review or require the ex-offender to prove a negative—that the ex-offender’s past crimes will not cause them to harm customers in the future.
To ensure people with criminal records can have a fresh start, the Institute for Justice brings a variety of legal challenges and legislative efforts against harmful and needlessly restrictive licensing laws. As the nation’s leading experts in the collateral consequences of occupational licensing, IJ has helped secure reforms in nearly 20 states.
For too long, collateral consequences have imposed a “civil death” on ex-offenders. Protecting their right to earn an honest living would go far in granting them a second chance at life.
Are you prevented from getting a license to work because of your criminal record? Let us know:
Economic Liberty Issues
Braiding
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Cosmetology
Cosmetology is the study of beauty practices and includes styling hair, applying makeup, and providing nail care and skin care.
Food Freedom
All individuals have the right to produce, advertise, sell, procure, and consume the foods of their choice. IJ ensures they can use these rights to provide for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Fresh Start
A job is one of the best ways for people with criminal records not to re-offend. But strict occupational licensing requirements make it harder for people with…
Interior Design
Besides unconstitutionally censoring truthful commercial speech, “titling laws” serve as precursors to full-blown occupational licensure, which is the ultimate goal of a small faction within the interior…
Occupational Licensing
Occupational licenses, which are essentially permission slips from the government, routinely stand in the way of honest enterprise. Without these licenses, workers can face stiff fines or even risk jail time.
Transportation
Consumers and entrepreneurs, not government officials, should decide what transportation options are available.
Vending
IJ’s National Street Vending Initiative fights for the rights of all street vendors to earn an honest living.
Fresh Start Cases
Economic Liberty | Fresh Start
Denied the Right to Work, Texas Women Sue State to End Unconstitutional Ban for Social Work
Two woman who overcame addiction and earned master's degrees in social work challenge a Texas law that permanently bars them from helping others because of old convictions.
Economic Liberty | Fresh Start
Virginia Woman Challenges Permanent Punishment Preventing Her from Working as a Substance Abuse Counselor
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Economic Liberty | Fresh Start
Maryland small business owner files federal lawsuit against USDA over policy of permanent punishment for crime for which he already served his time
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Economic Liberty | Fresh Start
Feds Threaten to End Only Black Radio Station in Knoxville Over Owner’s Personal Tax Conviction
Joe Armstrong brought Black community focused radio back on the air in Knoxville, Tennessee. Now he's fighting the FCC for his license, not for anything he put out over the air, but for an old personal tax conviction.
Economic Liberty | Fresh Start | Occupational Licensing
Aspiring Addiction Counselor Sues to End Virginia’s Past-Conviction Discrimination
Rudy Carey wants to help people overcome addiction through counseling, but Virginia has decided he cannot do so because he has a prior criminal conviction. The Constitution protects Rudy’s right to earn an honest living, which is why he has partnered with IJ to challenge Virginia’s law that bars him from doing so.
Fresh Start News
Victory! Federal Court Says Virginia Can’t Stop Counselor from Helping Patients
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Texas Social Workers, Unconstitutionally Denied the Right to Work, Set to Argue Against Motion to Dismiss
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Public Interest Law Firm Calls on North Carolina to Let People with Criminal Records Become Dental Hygienists
ARLINGTON, Va.—Today, the Institute for Justice (IJ) sent a letter to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE), calling on them to allow individuals with…
Public Interest Law Firm Applauds Passage of Bill Making It Easier for Returning Citizens to Find Work, Encourages Gov. Polis to Sign It into Law
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Virginia Woman Challenges Law Preventing Her from Working in Substance Abuse Counseling
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Fresh Start Legislation
Economic Liberty | Fresh Start
FRESH START: Collateral Consequences in Occupational Licensing Act
A job is one of the best ways to reduce recidivism, but many occupational licensing laws make it difficult—and sometimes even impossible—for returning citizens to obtain work. Licensing laws often have morality clauses that automatically and permanently bar people with criminal records from working—without any…