Jobs after Jail: Ending the prison to poverty pipeline

"In many states and cities, both public and private employers can include a question on application materials requiring applicants to disclose whether or not they have a conviction record. While there is growing momentum to “Ban the Box,” in most cases these efforts only ban the box for public employment ... On average, states have 123 mandatory bans and restrictions for would-be workers with felony convictions per state from employment in occupations or industries, from obtaining certain types of occupational licenses, and/or from obtaining certain types of business or property licenses. 10 states have more than 160 of these regulations, including 248 in Texas, 258 in Illinois, and 389 in Louisiana. Only nine states have fewer than 75 regulations" (p. 5). This report describes the barriers that individuals with criminal records face when they look for high-paying jobs ensuring a degree of economic stability. Sections following an executive report include: introduction; background; national findings; profiles for 16 states and Washington, DC regarding their restrictions for individuals with felonies and controlled substance convictions; recommendations; and conclusion.