South Gwinnett News

Georgia state Representatives Matt Reeves and Mesha Mainor have introduced House Bill 926, also known as the Second Chance Workforce Act. The legislation aims to permit individuals with low-level municipal charges to maintain their driver's licenses during legal proceedings. However, the bill does not apply to charges related to DUI, reckless driving, or child support.

In a press release by the Georgia General Assembly, Reeves said: "Georgia was started as a second chance colony for debtors, and Georgians’ hearts are with the people who want to put troubles in the past and get to work for a better future for themselves and their families." Mainor added: "I hear from people in my district whose ability to drive to work is disrupted by the system. This bill will make sure that there are fewer barriers to people getting to work."

House Bill 926 proposes changes to the Official Criminal Code of Georgia, focusing on several key areas. These include alterations to criminal procedure, introducing certificates indicating rehabilitation and good moral character, and adjustments pertaining to traffic violations, driver's licenses, and the admissibility of criminal history record information. The bill introduces a "Certificate of Good Standing" for eligible individuals seeking employment, housing, and occupational licensing after maintaining a clean record for at least six months post-sentence completion. Furthermore, it addresses the suspension of driver's licenses due to failure in responding to traffic citations and is expected by lawmakers to enhance efficiency and fairness in legal processes.

According to information from the Georgia General Assembly, Reeves represents District 99 in Gwinnett County. Elected in 2022, he currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Secretary of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee. Mainor represents District 56 in Fulton County; she was elected in 2020 and serves on various committees including Education, Governmental Affairs, Regulated Industries, and State Planning & Community Affairs.