In a recent decision, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that aimed to ease restrictions on ex-convicts seeking cosmetology or barber licenses. Individuals convicted in the last five years can be denied a license solely based on their criminal history.
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The bill was passed unanimously in the legislature and was intended to offer a second chance to these reentering society. However, DeSantis expressed some concern, claiming that the bill would prevent the state from thoroughly reviewing the criminal records of license applicants. “We should not reward criminal activity by providing inmates with the same benefits as law-abiding citizens,” he wrote in his veto message on Tuesday.
During legislative sessions, lawmakers discussed how Senate Bill 42 would facilitate the reintegration of former prisoners into society. The bill proposed that only convictions related to the barbering or cosmetology professions could be considered. Additionally, the review period would be reduced from five years to three and specified that sex offenders and violent felons would not be eligible for a license.
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While speaking to WTSP, Craig Latimer, owner of Lat and Son’s Barbershop, expressed his frustration towards the bill as it can deter the futures of young men who want to earn a living and learn to own a business.
“For you to discourage someone for something I have paid my debt for, where’s the encouragement? It hurts because where is my retirement? I would have to get young guys in here to take over the craft and the shop, but if they’re being denied because of a mistake they’ve made, I’m also being punished,”
The bill also required the state to approve educational credits from prison programs to help prisoners obtain licenses. However, the licensing board has the discretion to accept these credits.