Monthly Archives: September 2024

Unlocking a Hidden Talent Pool: Why Manufacturers Should Consider Fair Chance Hiring

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The manufacturing industry is facing a significant challenge - a labor shortage that is only expected to grow in the coming years. With an aging workforce and difficulty attracting new talent, manufacturers are being forced to get creative when it comes to recruiting and retaining skilled workers.

One often overlooked solution? Fair chance hiring.

Fair chance hiring refers to the practice of giving individuals with a criminal record a fair shot at employment. This can open up a vast new talent pool for manufacturers struggling to fill open positions.

So why should manufacturers consider fair chance hiring? Here are three key reasons:

  • Widen Your Talent Pool 

1 in 3 Americans have some kind of criminal record. By expanding access to jobs for this population, manufacturers can tap into a diverse and motivated talent pool that is often overlooked.

This is especially critical in the current labor market. Economic trends point to decreasing labor force participation, higher turnover, and a looming talent shortage. Manufacturers can't afford to overlook any potential sources of workers.

  • Improve Retention 

Contrary to common assumptions, research has shown that employees with past convictions actually stay longer and advance faster than their peers without criminal histories. On average someone with a record stays at their job 12% longer than someone without a record.

The cost of employee turnover can be staggering for manufacturers - estimates range from $3,300 to $8,000 per lost employee. Improving retention through fair chance hiring can have a significant impact on the bottom line.

  • Enhance Your Brand 

Implementing fair chance hiring practices can also be an important part of a manufacturer's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Polling indicates that 80% of Americans support expanding these types of inclusive hiring practices and would be proud to work for a company that provides these opportunities.

Positioning your company as one that values second chances and provides opportunities for the formerly incarcerated can enhance your appeal to a new generation of workers. In fact, 64% of millennials say they won't take a job without a connection to CSR.

Tapping Into an Overlooked Talent Pool 

The manufacturing industry is at a critical juncture. As the labor shortage continues to intensify, savvy employers will need to think creatively about how to attract and retain skilled workers.

Fair chance hiring offers a unique opportunity to unlock a vast, often overlooked talent pool - individuals with criminal records who are eager for a fresh start and the chance to contribute their skills. By embracing this approach, manufacturers can not only fill open positions, but also make their company more attractive to job seekers, improve employee retention, and make a positive impact on their local communities.

Fair chance hiring is a win-win-win proposition. And it just might be the solution your company needs to overcome the manufacturing industry’s toughest talent challenges.

New Law Makes Criminal Record Expungement More Accessible in Utah

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HB 352 Eliminates Fees for Qualifying Applicants, Allowing Rasa to Help Clear More Records

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – September 27, 2024 – Rasa Legal, a leading legal technology company specializing in record expungement, is pleased to announce that Utah has passed an expungement law (HB 352) set to take effect on October 1, 2024. This new legislation, sponsored by Representative Karrianne Lisonbee, eliminates government fees for qualifying low-income Utahns, making the expungement process more accessible to those who need it most.

HB 352 makes two major changes to the fee waiver process.  First, it provides a pathway for individuals who are indigent to obtain a waiver of their Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) certificate fees. Previously, BCI charged $65 per conviction to process an expungement, creating a significant barrier for those unable to afford those fees. This legislation marks a crucial step towards ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from clearing their records and moving forward with their lives. Second, HB 352 creates a more efficient process for obtaining a waiver of court filing fees.  Instead of requiring duplicative paperwork to be filed in every court, individuals seeking multiple expungements can now file just one fee waiver packet, which will determine whether they are entitled to a fee waiver in all cases. 

“HB 352 is a game-changer for many Utah families seeking a fresh start. By removing financial barriers, we’re opening doors to better employment, housing, and educational opportunities for those who have been held back by past mistakes,” said Noella Sudbury, CEO and Founder of Rasa Legal. “How much money a person makes shouldn’t control whether they get a second chance, and this law is a huge step forward in helping low-income people access the justice system.” 

The impact of this legislation is far-reaching, as it allows individuals with limited financial means to move forward with their expungement. This change is expected to lead to increased economic opportunities and improved quality of life for many Utah residents.

To determine eligibility for the fee waiver, individuals are encouraged to visit rasa-legal.com and use the expungement eligibility tool. This user-friendly resource will guide applicants through the process and help them understand their options under the new law.

Rasa Legal remains committed to supporting individuals through the expungement process and applauds Utah’s efforts to make justice more accessible to all. To see a list of other Utah expungement laws, visit rasa-legal.com/utah/legislative-updates/

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For more information, or to request an interview with Noella Sudbury, please email [email protected].

About Rasa Legal:

Rasa is a legal tech company on a mission to provide simple and affordable criminal record expungement. The company developed sophisticated computer software that analyzes criminal record databases and streamlines many of the complex and time-consuming steps associated with determining eligibility for expungement. These affordable expungement services clear a path for access to housing and jobs, higher wages, and a better quality of life for those who have been held back by background checks. For more information, visit rasa-legal.com.

New Utah Law Removes Fee Barriers for More People

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A smiling woman with curly hair stands outdoors with a lake and trees in the background. The image has a colorful gradient overlay and text that reads: "New Utah Law Removes Government Fee Barriers for More People."

Exciting news for Utahns seeking a fresh start! On October 1, 2024, a new record clearance law will take effect, making it easier and more affordable for many to clear their criminal records. House Bill 352 (HB 352), sponsored by Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, will remove significant financial obstacles in the expungement process. Let's dive into what this means for you or someone you know:

Three Game-Changing Improvements:

1. More People Eligible for Fee Waivers

What's new? Last session, Rasa and our friends at Clean Slate Utah were up on the hill fighting for a reduction in government expungement fees because we know that a process that isn’t affordable isn’t accessible. While we didn’t get the fees as low as we hoped, we did make progress–raising the income threshold for fee waivers for smaller-sized households. 

What it means for you: Under the new law, single adults and households with up to 3 people can make more money and still qualify for a government fee waiver.  More specifically, the Legislature passed a law changing the threshold from just under $11 per hour up to $18.62. This is a significant increase and will make expungement more accessible to people who need it. The numbers: Households of three or fewer are now eligible for a complete waiver of government fees if they earn less than $38,730 per year. That's about $18.62 per hour for full-time workers.

Here's a quick reference for waiver thresholds based on household size:

2. Waiver of Most BCI Fees For Low-Income Families 

What's new? Before this law was passed, everyone was required to pay BCI fees, even if they had no income.  HB 352 creates a pathway for someone to get their BCI certificate fees waived, making expungement more affordable for people with records.  What it means for you: Previously, everyone had to pay a $65 BCI certificate fee for every conviction on their record, regardless of their financial situation. For people with multiple records, this made expungement unaffordable.  Now, if you think you'll qualify for a waiver of your court fees, you can indicate that on your BCI application and if your court fee waiver is granted, you can also get a waiver of your BCI fees. How it works:

  1. When applying to BCI, indicate on the application that you believe you'll qualify for a court fee waiver.
  2. You will still have to pay the $65 BCI application fee, but if your court fee waiver is granted, you won’t have to pay the $65 certificate fee. 
  3. Proceed with the court process for expungement.
  4. If the court grants your fee waiver motion, the BCI certificate fee  will be waived along with your court filing fees. 
  5. If you don't receive a waiver, you'll need to pay the certificate fees before BCI will complete your record expungement.

3. One Set of Fee Waiver Paperwork Can Work Across Multiple Courts

What's new? Under the new law, a person only has to file fee waiver paperwork in one court, and that court’s fee waiver determination will carry across all other courts. What it means for you: If you have records in multiple courts, you no longer need to request a fee waiver from each judge separately.  This has never made sense and requires needless paperwork.  Instead, if one judge determines you are eligible for a fee waiver, that decision will carry across all other courts.  

The benefit: This streamlines the process, saves judicial  time, is more efficient, and reduces unnecessary administrative work. It also ensures consistency, preventing situations where a person might be granted a waiver in one court but not another.

What Does This Mean for You?

These changes represent a significant step forward in making record clearance more accessible and affordable in Utah. By reducing financial barriers, more people can pursue a clean slate and open doors to better opportunities.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don't let past mistakes hold you back from building a brighter future. If you're considering clearing your record in Utah, now is the perfect time to act. Use our quick and easy eligibility tool to find out what's on your record and whether it can be expunged.  We know new laws can be hard to navigate. When you hire Rasa’s team of record clearance experts to represent you, we will help you understand and navigate the new fee waiver changes and help you fill out the paperwork you will need to qualify.

Check Eligibility Now

Remember, a clean slate is not just about clearing your record—it's about reclaiming your future. Take the first step today!

How Fair Chance Hiring Can Reduce Turnover and Boost Your Talent Pool

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In today's competitive job market, companies are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract and retain top talent. One often overlooked strategy is fair chance hiring – the practice of considering candidates with criminal records. But did you know that this approach can not only fill your open positions but also significantly reduce turnover rates? Let's dive into how fair chance hiring can transform your talent acquisition and retention strategies.

Tapping into an Overlooked Talent Pool

First things first: fair chance hiring doesn't mean compromising on quality or safety. It's about expanding your talent pool to include skilled individuals who may have made mistakes in the past but are eager to prove themselves in the workforce.

Here's the kicker: nearly one in three American adults has some type of criminal record. That's a massive pool of potential talent that many companies are missing out on. By considering these candidates, you're not just doing a social good – you're giving your company a competitive edge in the talent market.

The Retention Advantage

Now, here's where it gets really interesting. Studies have shown that employees hired through fair chance initiatives often have much lower turnover rates compared to the general workforce. In fact, according to research, the turnover rate for employees with criminal records is 12% lower than that of the general public.

Why? It's simple: grit, gratitude, and loyalty. It’s not uncommon that someone with a record will have experienced difficulty finding employment.  They have been through a lot and often been forced to work in some pretty tough jobs.  When you give someone a second chance, they're more likely to appreciate the opportunity and work hard to keep it. This translates to longer-term employees and reduced recruitment costs for your company.

Boosting Diversity and Performance

Fair chance hiring isn't just about filling positions – it's about building a diverse, high-performing workforce. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 85% of HR professionals and business leaders say that individuals with criminal records perform the same as or better than employees without criminal records.

 

By embracing fair chance hiring, you're not only diversifying your workforce but also bringing in motivated individuals who can contribute unique perspectives and drive innovation in your company.

Practical Tips for Implementing Fair Chance Hiring

  1. Be specific about acceptable records: Fair chance hiring doesn't mean accepting all types of criminal records, and while many policies say it is “case-by-case” this sometimes doesn’t lead to effective fair chance hiring policies. While some situations can, and should be case-by-case, employers should also work to specify which types of offenses you're willing to consider, ensuring alignment with your company policies and values. 
  2. Partner with community-based organizations: Consider working with community-based organizations that specialize in connecting employers with qualified candidates who have criminal records. These partners can help streamline the process and ensure you're accessing the right talent pool for your needs.
  3. Train your HR team: Take this as an opportunity to review how you conduct background checks and ensure you are drawing the right lines.  Make sure your hiring managers and HR professionals are committed to fair chance hiring and educated about the benefits it brings to the company.
  4. Create a supportive work environment: A successful fair chance hiring policy starts with leadership.  Be open about what you are doing, explain why it will be good for business, and how you are going to keep people safe.  Foster a culture of inclusion and support to help all employees, including those with criminal records, thrive in their roles.
  5. Offer record clearance as an employee benefit: Similar to tuition reimbursement, providing support for record clearance can be a powerful retention tool and create upward mobility within the company. It shows your commitment to your employees' long-term success and can significantly boost loyalty.

The Bottom Line

Fair chance hiring is more than just a feel-good initiative – it's a smart business strategy. By tapping into this often-overlooked talent pool, you can:

  •       Fill open positions faster in a tight labor market
  •       Reduce turnover rates and associated costs
  •       Increase workforce diversity and performance
  •       Demonstrate corporate social responsibility

Remember, the goal is not to lower your standards, but to broaden your perspective on what makes a great employee. With the right approach and support, fair chance hiring can be a game-changer for your talent attraction and retention strategies.

Are you ready to transform your hiring practices and reap the benefits of a more diverse, loyal, and skilled workforce? It's time to give fair chance hiring a fair chance!

Arizona’s “Bill of Hope”: A New Era for Criminal Record Sealing

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Image of a smiling man looking to the side with other happy people in the background. Text reads: Arizona's "Bill of Hope" A New Era for Criminal Record Sealing

On September 13, 2024, a new Arizona record clearance law will significantly increase the number of people eligible to seal their criminal records in the state. The bill represents a significant step forward in addressing systemic racism, breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty, and enhancing opportunities for employment and housing for those with criminal records.

Key Changes and Their Impact

The "Bill of Hope" introduces several key changes to make record sealing more accessible and meaningful to people in Arizona: 

  1. Progressive Sealing: Individuals can now petition to seal records as they become eligible, rather than waiting for all records to meet eligibility criteria. This change allows for a more gradual and achievable path to a clean slate.
  2. Shorter Waiting Periods: The new law clarifies that individuals with multiple felony cases do not have to wait an additional five years from the latest felony waiting period to be eligible for sealing. This clarification helps individuals with multiple felony records become eligible for expungement sooner. 
  3. Consideration for Fingerprint Clearance: A previously sealed record will now be considered a “mitigating factor” when determining eligibility for an Arizona fingerprint clearance card. This an help more Arizonans obtain fingerprint clearance, and potentially open up more employment opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

The "Bill of Hope" received bipartisan support in the Arizona Legislature. This consensus across party lines shows the widespread recognition of the need for good criminal justice policies that help improve the lives of working families, promote public safety, and get people back to work.

These changes are more than just legal adjustments; they represent a shift towards a more equitable society. By simplifying the record sealing process, Arizona is taking a stand against the long-lasting impacts of criminal records on individuals' lives. This legislation is important because even if an individual can't clear everything right away, it can create hope and motivate someone to begin working toward a clean slate.

Looking Ahead

While the "Bill of Hope" is a significant step forward, it's just the beginning. Organizations like Rasa Legal are at the forefront of criminal justice reform, , committed to simplifying the record sealing process and empowering individuals to move beyond their past mistakes.

This legislation represents a step forward for public safety and the economy, providing more opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration for the more than two million individuals with criminal records in Arizona.

Taking Action

The passage of the "Bill of Hope" marks a new chapter in Arizona's approach to criminal justice. By providing more accessible paths to record sealing, the state is not only offering second chances to individuals but also investing in the broader social and economic health of its communities. 

For Arizonans looking to understand how they are impacted by these laws, help is out there! Use our eligibility tool to discover your options in under three minutes.

 

Check Eligibility Now

Say Goodbye to Utah Government Fees

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Attractive young african american woman smiling at the viewer. Text reads: Say Goodbye to Government Fees Our prices now include BCI certificate and court filing fees in Utah

At Rasa, we strive to make the process of clearing a criminal record as simple as possible. That is why, unlike traditional lawyers, we have transparent, up-front, per-case pricing for all our services. We are excited to announce that in response to feedback from our customers, we have simplified our pricing to include the cost of government fees that are charged as part of the expungement process in Utah. While these fees are not charged for Rasa’s services, we recognize that they add significant cost in clearing someone’s record and can make it hard to calculate the total cost of your expungement. In an effort to help individuals looking to clear their records better understand the total cost of the process, we are now changing our pricing to include BCI certificate and court filing fees. We believe this better aligns with our mission of making the total cost simple to understand and as transparent as possible.  

Now, the total cost of an expungement in Utah is $500 per case, which includes all government fees except the one-time $65 BCI application fee to apply.  It also includes any appeal to BCI, in case you get a denial letter. This is far less than the $1,500 to $3,000 without fees a traditional attorney will typically charge.

 

New Fee Waiver Expungement Service 

In response to a new Utah law change, some individuals are now eligible to obtain a waiver of their government fees, which will significantly reduce the total cost of their expungement.  If your income qualifies you for a fee waiver, Rasa is now offering a new service to help qualifying individuals obtain an expungement with a government fee waiver. Our representation of individuals who qualify for the fee waiver is exactly the same as our regular expungement services, but is only available to those whose income level meets the requirements for a waiver of their BCI and court filing fees under Utah law. A significant number of our users will qualify for this service. Click here to learn more about the criteria to qualify for a government waiver or consult the table below to see if your income qualifies:

A chart displaying annual and hourly income thresholds for fee waivers. It shows income levels for household sizes from 1 to 8 and the additional income for each extra household member. The annual income starts at $38,730 for 1 person, increasing to $79,080 for 8, with an extra $8,070 per additional person. Hourly income starts at $18.62 and increases to $38.02, with $3.88 per extra member.

If individuals qualify for a fee waiver, Rasa will charge $250 per case (does not include the $65 BCI Application fee), which will include full legal representation and Rasa’s assistance in obtaining the fee waiver.

 

Making Things Easy

Rasa is committed to being a pioneer in providing simple and affordable legal services, with transparent, flat-rate pricing. We are excited to make these changes to help Utah clients at all income levels better understand the cost of clearing their records and do the work to obtain fee waivers for all who qualify. By including these fees in our prices, and obtaining waivers for those who qualify, we hope to make it possible for people of all income levels to move forward with a clean slate.

Free Use of Expungement Eligibility Tool Offered to Support National Recovery Month

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Rasa Legal is on a mission to clear as many eligible records as possible, helping people pass background checks and open doors to new opportunities

Salt Lake City, UT, Sept. 4, 2024 – Rasa, the legal tech company dedicated to simplifying and making criminal record expungement more affordable, today announced it will offer free access to its expungement eligibility tool throughout September in support of National Recovery Month. This initiative aims to honor and assist individuals in recovery from substance use disorders by providing them with valuable resources to understand and potentially clear their criminal records.

Rasa’s online eligibility tool allows users to receive a clear, personalized report of their criminal records in just minutes. Using Rasa’s software, this report outlines whether those records may be eligible for expungement now or in the future, providing crucial information for individuals seeking to move forward with their lives.

“At Rasa, we believe in second chances and the power of recovery,” said Noella Sudbury, CEO and Founder of Rasa. “By offering our eligibility tool for free during Recovery Month, we hope to empower individuals to take control of their future and remove barriers that may be holding them back due to past mistakes.”

The number of people with criminal records is surprisingly high – in Utah, one in four people have a criminal record, and drug convictions are one of the most common records. People with criminal records face significant hurdles in participating as productive members of society. However, people who get their records expunged are 63% more likely to get a job interview, and their wages go up 22% just one year after record clearance.

Individuals interested in taking advantage of this offer can use this link throughout September to access the free eligibility tool to find out what is on their criminal record, and whether those records can be expunged. 

If someone has eligible records, Rasa provides low-cost legal representation starting at $250 per case. This includes preparing and filing all paperwork, petitioning the courts, and all other case logistics. 

“Many people don’t realize that they can do something about their criminal record. Others are intimidated or overwhelmed by the process, or can’t afford to get started. We’re here to change all of that,” said Sudbury. 

With Rasa’s innovative technology and affordable services, getting a criminal record cleared in Utah has never been faster, easier or more accessible. 

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For more information, or to request an interview with Noella Sudbury, please email [email protected]. ###

About Rasa Legal:

Rasa is a legal tech company on a mission to provide simple and affordable criminal record expungement. The company developed sophisticated computer software that analyzes criminal record databases and streamlines many of the complex and time-consuming steps associated with determining eligibility for expungement. These affordable expungement services clear a path for access to housing and jobs, higher wages, and a better quality of life for those who have been held back by background checks. For more information, visit rasa-legal.com.

Use Rasa’s Eligibility Tool For Free In Honor of National Recovery Month

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Image of smiling people all putting their hands together in a circle. Text reads: In honor of National Recovery Month, we're giving away free eligibility screenings!

September is National Recovery Month, and all throughout the country, people are coming together to support, celebrate, and honor people in recovery. Recovering from substance use can be very difficult. And even when someone gets healthy, they need a place to live, a community who supports them, and a purpose to stay strong.

The Lingering Impact of Criminal Records

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for individuals struggling with substance use to pick up a criminal record during their active addiction. These records can create many barriers for someone in recovery trying to rebuild their life: 

  • Housing:  4 out of 5 landlords conduct background checks, making it challenging for those with criminal records to secure safe and stable housing.
  • Employment: 9 out of 10 employers require disclosure of criminal history, potentially limiting career opportunities and financial stability.
  • Education: Some educational institutions may have restrictions or additional scrutiny for applicants with criminal backgrounds.

Use Rasa’s Tool for Free

In honor of National Recovery Month, Rasa is proud to offer our eligibility tool free of charge throughout the month of September. We understand the critical role that information and access play in empowering individuals to take control of their futures. By providing this free service, we aim to ensure that people in recovery are fully aware of their options for clearing their records and removing obstacles to their continued success.

Check Eligibility Now for Free

(Valid until Sept 30th, 2024)

Next Steps

For those who discover they are eligible for record clearance, Rasa offers affordable legal representation to guide you through the process. Our services start at just $250 per case, making it affordable for anyone to get a fresh start.