State Representatives Matt Reeves (R-Duluth) and Mesha Mainor (R-Atlanta) recently introduced House Bill 926, the Second Chance Workforce Act. This legislation would allow individuals with low-level municipal citation and misdemeanor charges to keep their driver’s licenses during their cases, as long as the charges do not pertain to DUI, reckless driving or child support, so that their ability to drive to work is not interrupted.
“Expanding Georgia’s workforce is a top priority in 2024,” said State Representative Houston Gaines (R-Athens), House Majority Caucus Vice-Chairman.
“Georgia was started as a second chance colony for debtors, and Georgians’ hearts are with the people who want to put troubles in the past and get to work for a better future for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Reeves.
“I hear from people in my district whose ability to drive to work is disrupted by the system,” said Rep. Mainor. “This bill will make sure that there are fewer barriers to people getting to work.”
Under HB 926, any eligible individual who has not been convicted of any crime in any jurisdiction for at least six months from the completion of their sentence may petition the superior court in the county where he or she resides to obtain a “Certificate of Good Conduct.” The certificate would be used as evidence of good moral character for the purpose of obtaining employment, housing and occupational licensing.
Dean of the House, State Representative Gerald Green (R-Cuthbert) and Reps. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), Ken Vance (R-Milledgeville) and Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs) are co-sponsoring the Second Chance Workforce Act. HB 926 has been assigned to the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee and could be up for consideration in the coming weeks.
The full text of HB 926 may be found here.
Representative Matt Reeves represents the citizens of District 99, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Secretary of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee. He also serves on the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.
Representative Mesha Mainor represents the citizens of District 56, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves on the Education, Governmental Affairs, Regulated Industries and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
