Everyone makes mistakes, particularly when they're young. It's how we learn and grow as people.
However, some West Virginians have trouble leaving their past behind. Their mistakes had legal consequences, and although they carried out their prison sentence or probation, they still have trouble moving on.
When filling out employment applications, job seekers are often asked a seemingly simple question: Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Many West Virginians can check the "no" box, finish the application and maybe even be hired by the company. But for others, checking "yes" means the end of their chances for a job, and by extension any chance of improving their lives.
Enter Senate Bill 411, the Second Chance for Employment Act. The bill introduced by Sen. Chris Walters, R-Putnam, seeks to allow non-violent, non-sexual offenders to petition the court to have their records expunged.
For misdemeanors, the offender can file a petition one year after the completion of his or her sentence, end of probation or last involvement with the court system. For felonies, offenders must wait five years.
Without jobs, many with criminal records must turn to taxpayer-funded welfare programs to make ends meet and to support their families. In many cases, these are people who have some sort of education or training and want to work, but would-be employers continually say no because of past convictions - no matter how small.
The bill not only would get people off public assistance, but, as Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, wrote for the Daily Mail last year, "It would create incentive for those who have faltered in their past to stay clean and on the right path."
West Virginia has the lowest number of working-age adults participating in the workforce. As our economy struggles, tax revenue comes up short and our population declines, lawmakers must act quickly and responsibly to keep our state afloat.
But the bill hasn't moved from committee. We urge legislative leadership to get behind this bill, place it on the agenda and give it the discussion it deserves.
Similar legislation has been adopted by other states, including Michigan, Minnesota and Texas.
West Virginia should do the same. How can we continue to punish single mothers, young men and those struggling with substance abuse or other issues by withholding employment? They've already been punished by the courts and have served their time.
Let's help them - and our state - move forward.