Bill to Expand Job Opportunities to Ex-offenders Passes House

A bill to expand job opportunities for ex-offenders passed the House of Representatives this week by a vote of 148-1. HB 1468, sponsored by Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville), expands job opportunities for ex-offenders by allowing them to work in places that sell lottery tickets and liquor, like convenience stores, grocery stores, and restaurants. Working in these places allows ex-offenders with few work skills to acquire job experience, and also helps them avoid falling back into the same behavior that originally landed them in prison.

The MCC actively supported the bill as part of its restorative justice efforts. We extend our gratitude to the hundreds of MOCAN members who responded to the Action Alert in support of this bill! The bill will now be reported to the Senate.