Media Contact

Meghan Smith, 860.471.8468, 860.992.7645, msmith@acluct.org

May 5, 2016

The following is a statement from David McGuire, Legislative and Policy Director and Interim Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut, regarding the Connecticut state Senate’s passage of H.B. 5237, “An Act Concerning Fair Chance Employment,” which would eliminate questions about a job applicant’s criminal record in initial employment application forms for all public and private employers:

“Our Constitution guarantees equality and justice for all people, and this bill will help Connecticut to make good on that promise. At a time when one in three American adults has a criminal record and 95% of people in state prisons will be released, the Fair Chance Employment Act is a far-sighted bill that will change lives. We commend the legislature for passing this bill to make Connecticut stronger, more equal, and more just by giving people a fair chance to support themselves and their families.”