For many years I have had the genuine pleasure of co-authoring this column with Myrna Perez, who, as you probably know, is moving on. President Biden has nominated her for a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. I am thrilled for her and know she will be a first-rate judge. Congratulations Myrna!

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On May 4, 2021, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation making it easier for formerly incarcerated felons to vote. Instead of “returning New Yorkers” having to apply on a case-by-case basis, the new law permits an “immediate and automatic restoration of the right of people on parole to vote in all elections.” Its purpose was “to facilitate community reintegration and participation in the civic process,” and the law even provides that the Department of Corrections facilitate re-registration upon their release. This law followed enactment by the New York City Council of amendments to the city’s Fair Chance Act, which “significantly expand[s] employment protections for applicants and employees with criminal charges or arrests,” and the New York Housing Authority’s expanded rule to allow most of those with criminal records to apply for its coveted apartments. Moreover, the state legislature is poised to pass the Clean Slate Act, sealing most criminal records after a period of time so that employers cannot reject job applicants for past unlawful conduct.