Today’s job seekers of color are still grappling with the impact of decades of racially discriminatory criminal justice policies, from mass incarceration to the war on drugs. In California, where applicants must navigate a labyrinthine maze of regulations in careers governed by occupational licensing boards, people with criminal records face significant barriers.

EBCLC works to address these damaging policies and advance better economic opportunities for all Californians. As leaders in the field of occupational licensing reform, we authored and successfully lobbied for AB-2138, which opens pathways to family-sustaining careers to millions of Californians with past criminal convictions by creating new rules for the 41 licensing boards governed by California’s Department of Consumer Affairs. We are working to expand these same opportunities to people seeking careers as firefighters and caretakers.

Current projects:

• AB-677: Creating opportunities for Californians to seek employment as care providers
• Fighting for the rights of formerly incarcerated firefighters to pursue this career post-release
• Steering the Occupational Licensing Coalition

Recent Wins and Past Projects:

• AB-2138: Reforming 41 occupational licensing boards, restoring pathways to family-sustaining careers for 8 million Californians
• AB-1608: Reforming occupational licensing for care-workers

For more information, contact Co-Deputy Director Jay Kim, jkim@ebclc.org.

Learn more about all of EBCLC’s Policy Initiatives…

All Policy Work | Targeting Redlining | Decriminalizing Poverty | Expanding Economic Opportunity| Protecting Youth of Color | Centering Health