Non-violent ex-offenders often have trouble seeking employment, education and housing.

Led by state Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D-Philadelphia), the rally featured representatives from Community Legal Services, Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, NAACP-Philadelphia Prison Society and the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health.

State law currently allows any employer to view and consider an applicant’s criminal history information when making hiring decisions. In an attempt to protect ex-offenders’ rights, the law states that employers may only consider that criminal history as it relates to the job. The law provides little protection for ex-offenders seeking employment, education or even renting an apartment.

Pennsylvania has already taken some steps to combat recidivism and help non-violent ex-offenders.

Act 134 of 2008 allows individuals with summary offenses to request that their local court expunge an offense from their record five years after they complete their sentence. Summary offenses include crimes like disorderly conduct and shoplifting.

Act 81 of 2008 allows courts to sentence non-violent offenders to intensive rehabilitation programs while in prison and provide for strict parole supervision after their release. This law provides non-violent offenders with life skills that will help them to become good citizens when they are released from prison.

It also saves taxpayers the growing costs of incarcerating repeat offenders.