Atlanta, Georgia — Right On Crime, a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, applauds the signing of Georgia Senate Bill 207, the Georgia Occupational Licensing Fairness Act, by Governor Brian Kemp. The policies of this bill mark a significant step forward for public safety, workforce development, and successful reentry in the state of Georgia.
SB 207 modernizes Georgia’s occupational licensing process by expanding opportunities for individuals with criminal records to seek professional licensure through transparent hearings, evidence-based appeals, and individualized, case-by-case review. The law also allows eligible individuals to begin pursuing occupational licensing while still incarcerated or following release, helping ensure the skills and training obtained during incarceration can translate into meaningful employment upon reentry.
By preserving the authority of licensing boards to protect public safety while removing unnecessary barriers rooted in blanket disqualifications, SB 207 creates a more balanced system that recognizes both accountability and rehabilitation.
“Georgia continues to demonstrate that conservative criminal justice is about accountability and opportunity,” said Frank Russo, Right On Crime’s Georgia State Director. “Our state has invested in vocational and educational programming inside correctional facilities to prepare individuals for productive lives after incarceration. SB 207 ensures those investments are not wasted by giving qualified individuals a fair opportunity to pursue the licenses they need to put their training to work, support their families, and contribute to their communities.”
Many professions in Georgia require occupational licensure to protect the integrity of the field and safeguard the public. SB 207 maintains those important protections while addressing longstanding barriers that have prevented rehabilitated individuals from fairly presenting evidence of their character, growth, and readiness to work.
“Work is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry and reduced recidivism,” said Brett Tolman, Executive Director for Right On Crime. “For too long, qualified men and women have completed training, paid their debt to society, and still found the door to opportunity closed because of licensing barriers. SB 207 reflects the best of conservatism: protecting public safety, respecting the rule of law, and ensuring redemption is paired with real opportunity.”
Georgia’s passage of SB 207 builds on the state’s national leadership in criminal justice by ensuring rehabilitation efforts lead to meaningful outcomes for individuals, employers, and communities alike.
Right On Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation supporting conservative solutions for fewer victims, less crime, and safer communities. Founded in Texas in 2007 and launched nationally in 2010, Right On Crime leads the way in advancing criminal justice policies that are just, effective, and fiscally responsible. For more information, visit www.RightOnCrime.com.