Mass. Lawmakers Take Up CORI Reform

By WBUR News & Wire Services
Jul 27, 2009, 9:13 AM
8 Comments

Critics of legislation designed to restrict access to criminal records gathered outside the State House in Boston on Monday. (Steve Brown/WBUR)

Supporters of legislation designed to restrict access to criminal records gathered outside the State House in Boston on Monday. (Steve Brown/WBUR)

A bill to limit access to criminal records in Massachusetts will be the focus of a hearing Monday at the State House.

Supporters, including Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, say the Criminal Offender Record Information system, or CORI — which allows some public access to criminal records — makes it nearly impossible for former offenders to find jobs. Reform supporters said that, in turn, makes them more likely to break the law again.

One bill before lawmakers calls for cutting back on the number of years records are open. It would limit the time misdemeanor records are available down from 10 to three years. For a felony, the bill would set the limit at seven years, down from 15.

Another bill would ban employers from asking about criminal records on initial job applications, though they would be allowed to access the system later.

Business groups and other supporters of the existing law said limiting their access to the records would hinder their ability to screen job and housing applicants.

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Mass Voters

This will make Massachusetts safer. It will ensure more accurate data and help to improve job opportunities.
Concerned

It is assuring to know that employers will still have complete control in the decision to hire or not. I wonder how many job applications with a CORI have just been tossed aside and not even considered.

The claim made by business groups and non-supporters of CORI reform, appear to argue for their right to “weed out” those who have a CORI record. That is simply wrong on many levels. Sadly, even with CORI reform, many employers would still maintain this barrier to employment by having complete access to ones criminal records using it at as a sort of entry check to obtain even an interview. This is your livelihood. C’mon people, you already know you can be denied employment because of a low credit score. What’s next from these business groups? No family healthcare, no time off?

With statistical data showing the chance of re-offense is the same as someone with no record, Mass has dropped the ball for not doing this sooner. Vote for those who care about our community, vote CORI reform.
Harry

I had a drunk driving conviction in 1990, and took my state EMT exams last June, which meant going through a CORI check. I went to court, and got the conviction sealed. It was my only run-in with the legal system. I drove drunk, and paid the legally prescribed penalty. Never did it again, and never will. Yet I have a sealed CORI record, as opposed to a clean one. Sealed isn’t clean. Just as the insurance companies allow you to work your driving record back to zero points after an accident or traffic citation, over a period of several years, shouldn’t CORI do the same?
carlos miguel marmolejos

i had a problem with the law back in 03’04′ in dade county fl. for minor possesion of powder coccaine i served 21 days for that and hit with a felony. i was 21 at the time hanging with the wrong crowd and partying.i learned my lesson came back to boston and currently inrolled in medical training.almost graduating with high honors now im scared because i cant work at any major hospital that i got acceppted at boston medical mass general because of this stupid felony i need help please what should i do based on ur knowledge and experience planning on going to a 4 yr college and to become my goal R.N. please i’ve turned my life around in all aspects dont want this to keep haunting me again crying out for help anybody out there that can help
carlos miguel marmolejos

i had a problem with the law back in 03’04′ in dade county fl. for minor possesion of powder coccaine i served 21 days for that and hit with a felony. i was 21 at the time hanging with the wrong crowd and partying.i learned my lesson came back to boston and currently inrolled in medical training.almost graduating with high honors now im scared because i cant work at any major hospital that i got acceppted at boston medical mass general because of this stupid felony i need help please what should i do based on ur knowledge and experience planning on going to a 4 yr college and to become my goal R.N. please i’ve turned my life around in all aspects dont want this to keep haunting me again crying out for help anybody out there that can help!!
gary covino

My sister said I am going to the cort to take out an order so it gets on your cori you were charged. Now on my cori. And has lost 3 jobs working with the community and kid’s. I was not guilty on anything
Pam

My son was involved in a Domestic Violence Felony charge when he was yound and stupid. Now that he has matured and learned from his past mistakes, he is still being punished by not being able to get a job because of the CORI checks that the state allows. My son has not been in trouble since but this seems to be a lifetime time punishment for his crime. It just doesn’t seem fair.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IPNX3RHIH63FTVDXDUTGGOA3VM just me

I was offered a position with The American Red Cross in 2010 and offered a position with Boston Medical Center this past summer. After a CORI check revealed that I had two OUI”S back in 2004, both organizations rescinded the job offer. I have served the punishment for the stupid choices I made back then. Why do I feel like I am still being punished ? I lost two great job offers because of something I did 7 years ago. I have made a complete turn around but cant find a decent job in my field. It is imposssible to live on minimum wage. I would never resort to crime for survival but these “officials” wonder why the recifivism rate is so high ! CORI makes it next to impossible to find a good job or a minimum wage job.