Each state has its own approach to reentry and support for people with felony convictions. So, is Texas a felony friendly state? Not exactly. Texas ranks #10 on career site Zippia’s list of the most challenging states for people with criminal records.
But it’s not all bad news. Texas offers some resources and rights restoration programs for felons attempting to make a fresh start.
How Is Texas A Felony Friendly State?
Several Texas initiatives help felons rebuild their lives. Programs like job fairs, free bonding insurance, and civil rights restoration make it easier for people with records to find work and reintegrate.
Voting Rights For Felons In Texas
Under Texas Election Code § 11.002(4)(a), your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence, parole, supervision, or probation.
Firearms Rights For Felons In Texas
Under Texas Penal Code § 46.04(a), felons can legally own firearms at home five years after completing any sentence, supervision, or parole. However, this doesn’t apply to people convicted of domestic violence offenses.
Occupational Licensing For Felons In Texas
Texas law only allows licensing agencies to deny an occupational license if the offense is directly related to the job’s responsibilities.
Under Texas Occupations Code § 53.022, agencies must consider the applicant’s rehabilitation efforts, compliance with community supervision conditions, and likelihood of reoffending.
Texas also makes it easier for felons to work in the electrical and air conditioning trades by issuing restricted licenses requiring employee supervision.
Website For Work Program
This Texas Department of Criminal Justice initiative helps parolees find jobs. The website gives employers in need of skilled workers an easy way to connect with and screen felons on parole.
Employers hiring parolees through the program include:
- Results staffing
- AES Staffing
- Trans Texas Transportation Inc.
- Local Union 154
Reentry Jobs Fairs & Hiring Events
Another initiative from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, helps felons apply for jobs with local felon-friendly employers. These events have a great success rate for attendees; on average:
- 43% receive a job offer at the event
- 90% find employment by attending these events
Free Fidelity Bonding Insurance
The Texas Workforce Commission’s Fidelity Bonding Program provides free insurance for the first six months of employment.
By protecting employers against losses due to theft or dishonesty, employers have more reason to take a chance on hiring someone with a record.
Request a bond at any Workforce Solutions office. Once approved, the bond will be active right away, so there’s no delay in starting work.
Related Texas News
What Makes It Harder For Felons To Get Ahead In Texas?
Some felons struggle to find work in Texas and the lack of Ban the Box laws and limits on background checks doesn’t help.
No Statewide “Ban The Box” Law
Even though Texas doesn’t stop employers asking about criminal history on job applications, some local jurisdictions have adopted fair chance hiring ordinances.
San Antonio: Applicants for jobs with the city (excluding police & fire departments) will not have to answer criminal history questions or undergo a background check until a conditional job offer has been made. At that point, hiring managers will consider:
- Job relatedness of a conviction
- Offense level
- Time elapsed
- Mitigating circumstances
- Rehabilitation evidence
Travis County: Applicants for jobs with the county will not have to answer criminal history questions or face a background check until a conditional job offer has been made. Hiring managers must consider:
- Length of time since offense
- The seriousness of the offense
- Frequency of criminal incidents
- Mitigating factors
Some county jobs do not require any background checks!
Dallas County: The County will not request criminal history until later in the hiring process. Hiring managers must consider:
- How an offense is relevant to the position sought
- Time since conviction
- Evidence of rehabilitation
No Restrictions On Background Checks
In Texas, employers can review your entire criminal history. Even so, many employers only look at the last 7 years.
Temporary Loss Of Drivers License
In Texas you may lose your driver’s license if convicted of:
- Vandalism
- Drug offenses
- Stealing gasoline
- Public intoxication
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Failing to pay traffic tickets
Depending on the conviction you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle to regain your license.
So, Is Texas Felon Friendly?
While some state programs can help felons find work initially, the lack of fair chance hiring laws can make it harder to get ahead.
Texas still has a way to go before it can be considered a felon-friendly state, but the restoration of civil rights, jobs fairs, and occupational licensing laws are steps in the right direction.
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Charles Greg is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind RentingtoFelons.org
With a lifelong passion for humanity.