Bill > HB650

This bill, named the Presidential Felon Freedom Act, aims to reduce barriers for individuals with criminal histories across multiple areas of Georgia state law. The bill makes significant changes to jury service, professional licensing, housing, and notary public regulations by removing or modifying provisions that previously restricted people with felony convictions. Specifically, the bill eliminates restrictions on felons serving as trial or grand jurors, removes automatic disqualification for professional licenses based on criminal history, prohibits landlords from refusing to lease residential properties solely because of an applicant's criminal record (with exceptions for sex offenders), and removes the requirement to disclose criminal convictions on notary public applications. The legislation requires professional licensing boards to consider factors like the nature of the crime, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation when evaluating an applicant's criminal history, rather than implementing blanket bans. The bill represents a broader effort to reduce the long-term social and professional consequences of criminal convictions and provide more opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The changes will take effect upon the Governor's approval or when the law goes into effect without approval.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70849