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Last week, GritTV [1] broadcast an excellent feature on Connecticut’s enactment of a law (HB 1570 [2]) to protect the civil rights of ex-prisoners and reduce recidivism (repeat offenses). As we originally reported [3] in April, the so-called “Ban the Box” law prohibits inquiries into the criminal backgrounds of people applying for jobs with the state until an applicant is determined qualified for the position – effectively banning the question about criminal background from job application forms. Although vetoed by the governor in May, legislators and advocates sustained enough votes to override on June 21. "Ban the Box" measures are crucial for enabling community reintegration, reducing crime, and controlling incarceration costs. GritTV’s piece shows the human side of the story behind the issue, with moving testimony by the legislators, advocates and ex-prisoners who fought for years to pass the law.
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