Bill to create statewide ‘second‑chance’ employer information site advanced in committee; backed by Justice Action Network

Representative Frank Frazier asked the committee to consider House File 15‑77, which would direct the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to create a statewide information campaign and a web portal to help employers find and hire justice‑impacted individuals (second‑chance hiring).

Chaz Anderson of the Justice Action Network testified in support, saying the organization modeled the bill on bipartisan legislation that passed in Wisconsin in 2024 and that national employer surveys show the practical barriers employers face. Anderson cited a DEED survey showing roughly two‑thirds of Minnesota employers say they would hire people with criminal records, but about 85% lacked clear information about available incentives or supports.

Committee members praised the proposal as a pragmatic way to expand the labor force. Representative Wayne Johnson said employers must be given the tools to “take that chance” and cited his own experience hiring people with challenging backgrounds. Co‑Chair Pinto highlighted a statistic discussed in committee that nearly 1 in 11 working‑age adults in Minnesota have at least one felony conviction on record; Pinto said connecting employers to concrete programs and incentives could help address workforce shortages.

Representative Frazier said he would work to collect data requested by colleagues about the employment status of the relevant population. The committee laid the bill over for further consideration.