To: President Donald Trump, The Arkansas State House, The Arkansas State Senate, Governor Asa Hutchinson, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate

Eliminate Background Checks After 5 Years

I would like it to be an objective law, rather than a subjective choice by the employer, that background checks for gainful employment past 5 years should be eliminated with a few exceptions.

Why is this important?

"Over 10,000 ex-prisoners are released from America’s state and federal prisons every week and arrive on the doorsteps of our nation's communities. More than 650,000 ex-offenders are released from prison every year, and studies show that approximately two-thirds will likely be rearrested within three years of release" according to USDOJ website. President George Bush stated in his 2004 State of the Union Address, "“This year, some 600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society. We know from long experience that if they can’t find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison…. America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.”

If someone can reach the 5 year mark without re-offending, they should be able to be able to obtain gainful employment at their skill level.

What many people do not know is that even to work at McDonald's these days you have to go through a background check. A lot of employers have moved to online applications that automatically screen applicants by doing a background check! Think about this for a second, what does a background check of more than 5 years do? Are you the same person you were 6 years ago? Have you grown mentally and spiritually in that time?
Many states are already implementing this and seeing that recidivism drops because you put the ability for felons to be able to make an honest living. Is a career criminal really going to be trying to get a job at a big corporation? If so shouldn't the companies interview process eliminate these people instead of throwing everyone that ever made a big mistake into that group?

Being turned down time and time again because of something that was done in the past is demoralizing. It's just not fair! I say put and end to background checks after 5 years and it will make the world a better place for everyone!