Senators Overwhelmingly Support Bill to Give Ex-Offenders a Second Chance at Employment

Legislation seeking to remove barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated individuals has been described as “the epitome of a second chance” by Senator Angel Bolques Jr.

Sponsored by Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, Bill 35-0115 seeks to enact “The Fair Chance for Employment Act,” which among other measures requires the Division of Personnel to develop fair chance hiring policies.

In her introduction of the bill, Senator Frett-Gregory declared to the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety that “it is time to end the stigma here in the Virgin Islands.” Apart from reducing recidivism, the Finance chair believes that the proposed legislation will support families through access to gainful employment and contribute to economic stability. “The Virgin Islands can no longer afford to pay lip service to rehabilitation and reentry while leaving policies in place that keep neighbors, families, friends from getting a foot in the door,” the senator contended.

For those concerned about maintaining the integrity of the hiring process, the Fair Chance For Employment Act would still maintain an employer's ability to conduct a background check; however it would delay that step until later in the onboarding process, after an employer extends a conditional offer to an applicant.