Arizona Advocates for Justice, a newly formed criminal-justice group, is making fair-chance employment a top priority for the next legislative session, aiming to help formerly incarcerated people build careers rather than just land jobs.
Erika Ovalle said current barriers still block stable work even with Arizona’s existing protections, citing cases in which background checks cost one woman a promotion and left another feeling retraumatized during hiring.
Arizona already has 2 state laws and a 2017 executive order that delay some background checks, ease occupational-licensing barriers through Certificates of Second Chance, and shield employers from certain negligent-hiring claims.
The push also fits broader reentry efforts: Arizona joined Reentry 2030 in 2025 to expand education, apprenticeships, workforce training and health services before release and after people return to their communities.
Arizona has many second-chance laws, so why do former inmates still struggle to find stable careers?
With Arizona pushing fair chance hiring, what are the real risks and rewards for businesses that open their doors to ex-offenders?
Arizona’s Fair Chance Revolution: Legislative Progress, Economic Impact, and the Path to Equitable Reentry (2024–2026)
Overview
Arizona is making notable progress in justice reform, highlighted by the recent passage and signing of House Bill 2265. This bipartisan effort reflects a growing commitment to expanding opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance. Senator Analise Ortiz has expressed pride in these advancements, pointing to achievements like the creation of an independent prison oversight committee and the waiving of certain fines and fees. These legislative actions are part of a broader goal to help people reintegrate into society, though leaders acknowledge there is still much work to be done to achieve comprehensive reform.