SB 453 Summary

• Replaces "provisional pardons" with "certificates of relief from barriers" issued by the Board of Pardons and Paroles or Superior Court to eligible offenders convicted of crimes.

• Allows Superior Courts to issue certificates for sentences without immediate incarceration or sentences under two years, at time of sentencing or during probation period.

• Expands definition of "barriers" to include denial of employment, professional licenses, and public housing based on conviction, requiring consideration of direct relationship between crime and the position sought.

• Prohibits employers from denying employment or discharging employees solely based on prior conviction for which the employee received a certificate of relief from barriers.

• Requires housing authorities and state agencies to give consideration to certificates of relief from barriers and presume eligibility for employment, licensure, or public housing specified in the certificate; establishes reporting and evaluation requirements through January 15, 2016.

• All provisions effective October 1, 2012.