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Reentry Resources for Former Prisoners

Information on resources to help you re-enter society after being imprisoned or jailed.

Background Checks for Employment

Arrests and convictions on your record will often make the job hunt more difficult since most employers conduct background checks on their potential employees. Texas law provides some protections to job applicants by prohibiting reports conducted by consumer reporting agencies to include criminal history information older than 7 years in their reports. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act provides similar protections. However, there are some exceptions to this “7-year” rule. See the resources below for more information.

Texas Laws

Federal Laws

Understanding the Law

Starting a Small Business

Below are resources for those interested in starting a small business and some roadblocks that may arise due to a criminal conviction.

Understanding the Law

Employment Resources

Below you will find general resources to help you reenter the job force after your incarceration.

Understanding the Law

E-Books

Interested in learning more about starting a small businesses or about employee rights? Check out the following library resources available remotely to library account holders through our Digital Collection.Texas residents can register for a library account online.

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

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