(NASHVILLE) — State Representative John Forgety (R-Athens) today introduced a measure aimed at giving Tennesseans a fresh start in life by utilizing the state’s available education opportunities.
House Bill 1780 permits an individual who has a Class E felony conviction to apply for a records expunction immediately after he or she earns a certificate or degree under the Tennessee Reconnect program.
Passed in 2017, Tennessee Reconnect offers all adults without a degree access to community college tuition-free and at absolutely no cost to taxpayers.
Currently, citizens who have paid their fines, court costs, and restitution are eligible to apply for a Class E felony records expunction after a five year waiting period. House Bill 1780 keeps current stipulations for Class
E offenders in place, but reduces the required wait time to apply for records expunction to as little as 12-18 months in some instances.
This reduction provides a fresh start for residents, decreases recidivism, and minimizes the use of taxpayer funds to cover incarceration costs.
According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, instances of recidivism have decreased by more than three percent statewide from 2010-2016. However, the state’s recent opioid crisis is leading to a larger number of drug-related arrests, as well as repeat offenders.
A survey conducted by the Vera Institute of Justice estimates that the state spent $723,680,760 on prison expenditures in 2015 alone.
“While we have made considerable strides reducing recidivism in Tennessee, our citizens still have to bear the high expenses of incarceration,” said Chairman Forgety. “This initiative not only saves taxpayer money, it encourages those who desire a fresh start to take advantage of our many educational opportunities so they can capitalize on a greater number of high-quality jobs available.”
For more information about how House Republicans are advancing Tennessee’s conservative values united, please visit: https://tnhousegop.org/
John Forgety serves as Chairman of the House Education Instruction & Programs Committee. He is also a member of the House Calendar & Rules and House Civil Justice Committee, as well as the House Education Instruction & Programs Subcommittee. He lives in Athens and represents House District 23, which includes McMinn and part of Monroe County. Forgety can be reached by email at Rep.John.Forgety@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-1735.
