GJP'S POLICY AGENDA
Georgia Justice Project seeks to reduce the number of Georgians who are under correctional control and remove barriers to reentry for formerly justice-involved individuals. Pursuant to this mission, GJP has adopted the following policy priorities for the 2023 legislative session.
- 1 in 7 jobs require an occupational license. Because 40% of adult Georgians have a criminal record, they may be barred from even obtaining the license to work these jobs – even if their record is old, pardoned, or expunged.
- Georgia can follow the lead of fellow Southern states by giving these residents a fair chance.
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After substantial reforms allowed for expungement of certain convictions in 2020, small issues still need to be cleaned up in order to make the law work better for more Georgians.
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Allowing more than two misdemeanor convictions to be expunged in a person’s life would open opportunity for those with minor records and expand the workforce.
- Victim-centered programs are options for crime survivors who seek healing through a facilitated process. Restorative Justice creates paths for accountability and healing.
- A new evidentiary privilege for victim-centered programs would mirror similar privileges and allow victims who choose these programs an opportunity to heal.
For more than 35 years, Georgia Justice Project has advocated for individuals and communities affected by the criminal legal system – whether those currently facing charges, preparing to return home from incarceration, or living with an old criminal record. Our experience on the ground with our clients feeds directly into our policy work. Recent accomplishments include:
- SB 288, Expungement Reform (2020): A coalition of 6 major corporations, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, 77 partner organizations, and legislators from both parties teamed up to pass SB 288, making 1.5 million Georgians eligible for expungement.
- SB 105, Early Termination of Probation (2021): Georgia has the longest probation sentences in the U.S. SB 105 simplified and standardized early termination of probation.
- SB 10, Driver’s License Suspensions (2022): Driver’s licenses mean jobs. SB 10 reduces license suspensions and provides a path for reinstatement after missing traffic court.
For more information about our current policy agenda or to share your story, please contact:
Wade Askew, Policy Manager
Phone: (404) 827-0027, ext. 214
Email: Wade@GJP.org
