State Rep. Jewell Jones, D-Inkster, was a co-sponsor of a bipartisan package of legislation approved by the Michigan House of Representatives last
week which will give thousands of residents with old, low-level criminal convictions an opportunity for a fresh start by expanding eligibility, shortening the required waiting period and establishing an automatic
expungement system for certain offenses. The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Isaac Robinson (D-Detroit).
Jones said that House Bill 5120, said the legislation would help make communities whole.
"In order to allow our returning and rehabilitated neighbors to fully reengage with our communities, we have to remove barriers to housing and employment, especially for those whose convictions stem from decriminalized activity.
"We have a responsibility to make our
communities whole, which is why we are so pleased that this package of bills was passed by the House. It is a first and vital step to removing these barriers to a better life. We will continue working with our colleagues in the Senate to see this important reform go all the way to the governor's desk," Jones said in a joint statement issued
with Robinson.
