Mass. Lawmakers Take Up CORI Reform

Published July 27, 2009 Updated November 18

COMMENTS (5)
|
E-MAIL
|

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)

BOSTON — 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.

Your Comments

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!!

Posted by carlos miguel marmolejos on January 14, 2010, at 4:21 PM
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

Posted by carlos miguel marmolejos on January 14, 2010, at 4:21 PM
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?

Posted by Harry on November 13, 2009, at 11:59 AM
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.

Posted by Concerned on July 30, 2009, at 1:11 PM
This will make Massachusetts safer. It will ensure more accurate data and help to improve job opportunities.

Posted by Mass Voters on July 28, 2009, at 10:50 AM

Have something to say?

Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief. These comments are moderated by WBUR, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments. By commenting, you agree to our Community Discussion Rules.

WBUR Topics

SUPPORT