A bipartisan measure to remove barriers to employment for Oklahomans released from prison passed the House, 82-10.

HB3002, by Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-OKC, and Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, amends the requirements and qualifications for five occupational licenses. The licensure changes involve the Oklahoma scrap metal dealers, the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, motor vehicle dealers, used motor vehicle dealers, and the Oklahoma Micropigmentation Regulation Act. The legislation maintains the licensing entity’s ability to consider an applicant’s criminal history, but hiring authorities must identify whether the applicant’s crime substantially relates to the occupation and poses a reasonable threat to public safety.

“House Bill 3002 provides employment opportunities for recently incarcerated Oklahomans,” said Munson. “These opportunities are key to keeping Oklahoma’s recidivism rate low and ensuring Oklahomans leaving state custody have a chance to succeed.”

Currently, 20% of Oklahomans leaving incarceration return to the Oklahoma criminal justice system, according to World Population Review.