URGENT ACTION ALERT:
EXPUNGEMENT BILL HEARING TOMORROW AT 10 AM
Will you voice your support for second chances and expungement reform?
The House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow for expungement bill HB 528. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 10 AM in Room 415 CLOB (Coverdell Legislative Office Building, across the street from the Capitol).
HB 528 would allow record restriction (“expungement”) for certain misdemeanor and felony convictions (sponsored by Rep. Mandi Ballinger [R-Canton]).
Now is the time to e-mail and call the members of the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee and help push this important piece of legislation forward.
STEP 1: ATTEND THE HEARING TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
The hearing will take place on Wednesday, March 6 at 10 AM in Room 415 CLOB(Coverdell Legislative Office Building, across the street from the Capitol). If you plan to attend, please arrive at 9:30 to get past security, find a seat, and sign up to speak if you would like to share your story.
Use the below script as a sample message for your e-mail:
Dear Members of the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee:
My name is NAME and I live in Georgia. I urge you to support HB 528, which would allow rehabilitated individuals to expunge certain convictions. Unlike in most states, almost all convictions stay on your record for life in Georgia, creating permanent barriers to employment, housing, education, and other opportunities. These bills will allow individuals to restrict public access to certain past convictions while maintaining law enforcement access and improving public safety. The Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform recommended the expansion of restriction and sealing to certain convictions in 2018. Please support this important piece of legislation.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
STEP 3: CALL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Use the following script to make a call to the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee members:
Good Morning, my name is NAME. I am calling to ask Representative NAME to support HB 528, which would help people convicted of certain offenses move on by expunging their records. Unlike in most states, almost all convictions stay on your record for life in Georgia, creating permanent barriers to employment, housing, and education. This bill will allow individuals to restrict public access to certain past convictions while maintaining law enforcement access and public safety. A criminal record should not be a life sentence. Please support these important pieces of legislation.
See below for committee members’ contact information.
