Who: Rep. Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island, prime sponsor of HB 2890, and Tarra Simmons, law school graduate and formerly incarcerated person who successfully appealed the Washington State Bar Association’s decision prohibiting her from taking the bar exam
What: Public hearing on HB 2890 (Promoting successful reentry by modifying the process for obtaining certificates of discharge and vacating conviction records)
When: Tuesday, January 23, at 1:30 p.m.
Where: House Hearing Room D, John. L. O’Brien Building
Why: The collateral consequences of conviction make it difficult for people to rebuild their lives when they re-enter society after serving time in prison. Rep. Hansen’s bill would remove some of the barriers that prevent people from securing employment, housing, student loans, and other means of supporting their families and leading productive lives. Both Rep. Hansen and Tarra Simmons will testify in support of the legislation.