People with a criminal history will have an easier time getting vocational jobs like commercial fisher, dental hygienist or barber, thanks to a bill in the Washington State Legislature that passed unanimously on Thursday. Until now, a prior criminal record would shut people out of jobs requiring a state vocational license. The bill offers individuals the chance to obtain a vocational license if they meet certain conditions, including having had no further arrests or convictions for a certain amount of time since the completion of their probation or time in jail (the exact amount of time varies).
Several professions that will be exempt from the new law, and may still deny people a job based on a criminal record. These include working in a criminal justice agency or assisted living facility, or working as an accountant, nurse, physician, teacher and security guard.
Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell, an advocate for helping people with a criminal record get a job, said in a statement, “This bill makes it easier for people to get jobs, and if someone has a job, they’re substantially more likely to successfully reintegrate into society.”
