Earlier this week, the Missouri Senate Administration Committee heard HB 2302, sponsored by Rep. Philip Oehlerking (R – Ballwin). The bill would provide ex-convicts with important identification material, including IDs and social security cards, at the time of their release from incarceration. As lack of gainful employment is frequently a factor in the commission of theft crimes, backers of this bill believe that making the transition from prison to employment easier for ex-offenders will reduce the likelihood of reoffense, and therefore assist both the economy and public safety. The bill passed through the House prior to its Senate hearing, and must now be voted upon by the Senate Administration Committee before it can be truly agreed and finally passed by the Senate body as a whole.
The MCC has testified in support of this proposal. The bill now awaits action by the Missouri Senate before it can progress further through the legislative process.
To see all the bills the MCC has a position on, click here for an updated MCC Positions and Progress Report.