CT SB00153

Grants the Board of Pardons and Paroles authority to issue certificates of rehabilitation in addition to provisional pardons to relieve employment and licensing barriers for eligible offenders.

Allows the Court Support Services Division to issue certificates of rehabilitation to offenders under probation or supervised release supervision, with immediate notification to the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Establishes two types of certificates—"Certificate of Employability" and "Certificate of Suitability for Licensure"—that can be issued at any time after sentencing, including before release from incarceration.

Prohibits employers from denying employment based solely on prior convictions for which an applicant received a provisional pardon or certificate of rehabilitation, and creates a rebuttable presumption against negligent hiring liability if the employer knew of the valid pardon or certificate.

Requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles and Court Support Services Division to submit annual data to the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, which shall evaluate the effectiveness of these relief mechanisms and report to the legislature by January 15, 2016, 2017, and 2018.