Reinstate the Civil Impacts of Criminal Convictions database
CIVICC was a commonsense workforce development tool
The consequences of a criminal conviction can extend long beyond the sentence imposed by a judge. Hundreds of “collateral sanctions” restrict the kinds of jobs an Ohioan can hold if they have a record.[1] To make matters worse, it is hard to know which jobs are restricted under which circumstances, leaving potential employees and potential employers in the dark.
Imagine investing months or years in a professional training program, only to learn that because of your record, you can never hold the job you have trained for.
As an employer, imagine passing over qualified applicants who are ready to work, simply because you’re unsure whether an obscure regulation could disqualify them.
Ohio used to have a simple tool that would help avoid both problems. The Civil Impacts of Criminal Convictions (CIVICC) database offered a catalog of collateral sanctions in Ohio law and administrative policy. In 2022, CIVICC was defunded and taken offline. Legislators now have the opportunity to restore this vital workforce development tool by amending the state budget to include funding for the Dept. of Job and Family Services (JFS) to restore and maintain CIVICC.
CIVICC will improve workforce development
With the information available in CIVICC, workforce development professionals can help reentering workers select a career path that is open to them, or navigate a restricted career path, such as by obtaining a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE).[2] Knowing which restrictions apply to which applicants will also help workforce agencies match returning Ohioans with careers, and help employers recognize returning Ohioans as a prospective talent pool they may otherwise overlook.
CIVICC will help provide a fresh start
The Fresh Start Act,[3] passed in December 2020, prohibits entities that issue occupational licenses from broadly denying a license to Ohioans based on a criminal conviction unrelated to the applicant’s ability to perform the job well and safely. CIVICC can help inform and implement this law.
To update the program, move it to JFS, maintain the content, and provide outreach, technical assistance, and education about the tool, we estimate that the program would cost about $100,000 per year.
Ask your state senator to support a budget amendment that restores CIVICC, reinstating this critical workforce development tool.
[1] In 2018, Ohio Justice and Policy Center identified over 850 collateral sanctions that restricted access to jobs.
[2] “Certificate of Qualification for Employment,” Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
[3] “House Bill 263: The Fresh Start Act,” J. Kyle Koehler. Ohio Legislature 133rd General Assembly. Effective April 12, 2021.