S.B. 3007 Will Shield Some Past Convictions from Potential Employers

Legislation aimed at helping Illinois residents put criminal records behind them and obtain employment passed in the General Assembly in the November veto session and is awaiting action by Governor Blagojevich.  That legislation, Senate Bill 3007, would expand the types of convictions that people could have “sealed” from public view and therefore not visible to potential employers.

The bill would add prostitution and Class IV (the lowest level) felony drug possession convictions to the current list of convictions that could be sealed.  Under legislation passed in 2003 and in effect since January 1, 2004, individuals may petition to have most records of non-violent ordinance violations and misdemeanors sealed.  Under both existing law and the new bill, people who wish to seal criminal records have to wait three or four years after completing their sentence and not have any additional convictions.  Under the pending legislation, people with felony drug convictions would have to file drug test results showing that they are drug free with their sealing petition.

The bill passed the Illinois Senate on November 10th.  It passed the House in the spring 2004 General Assembly session, with several amendments from concerned parties and law enforcement agencies.  Now, as the bill awaits action by the governor, the press is urging an amendatory veto.  Supporters of the bill are asking Governor Blagojevich to sign it into law in its present form.  Those with concerns could propose changes in the spring 2005 General Assembly session.

Advocacy efforts in support of the bill were lead by the Developing Justice Coalition.  For more information, contact Shriver Center attorney Margaret Stapleton at 312.368.3327.