SACRAMENTO – The California State Assembly approved legislation authored by Assemblymember Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) that is a modest attempt to help ex-offenders who have complied with treatment and parole requirements, to secure state licensure for employment.

The measure calls for the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to conduct a study on the procedure relating to application and denial process, requires the board to provide information to an applicant on the reason for denial, requires the board to hold a hearing within 90 days of receiving an applicants request for a hearing, and allows the issuance of a probationary license under specific conditions.

“It is a serious contradiction for the state to provide training in prison for specific vocational programs such as cosmetology, but not allow them to apply for state licensure when they return to the community,” said Bass.

“Reintegrating former prisoners into the community is a growing concern since one out of every five individuals on parole in this country lives in California,” stated Bass.

According to an Urban Institute study, unemployment for individuals who have been released from prison for several months is 30% to 50%. The state has expressed a desire to reform Corrections and create appropriate policies consistent with public safety that keeps Californians safe and boost the economy. This bill acts on this desire striving to reduce recidivism and crime, while increasing jobs and tax revenue.

AB 861 now moves to the California State Senate for consideration.