Free to work: Measuring workforce outcomes after Illinois' criminal records reforms

Publication Date

2-1-2025

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Economics Letters

Volume

247

DOI

10.1016/j.econlet.2024.112095

Abstract

We provide the first analysis of economic outcomes from the 2017 Illinois reform to its Civil Administrative Code, which restricted licensing boards from denying licenses based on previous criminal convictions and annual reporting. We observe increases in employment within generally licensed industries as compared with unlicensed occupations, and a reduction in crime after the collateral consequence reform. Finally, we discuss implications for states considering these policies.

Keywords

Economics of crime, Employment, Occupational licensing, collateral consequences

Department

Economics

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