New tax credit for businesses hiring people with past convictions

Income and corporation taxes: credits: work opportunity credit.

Introduced· 2026-01-12

Who's it for

Who's it for: Small businesses

What it means for you

9/10Helps you

Good for everyday people ·

Heavily funded

Plain‑English summary, cross‑checked against the official bill text.

This bill would give small businesses money back on their taxes if they hire people who have been convicted of a felony, helping them find work.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

This bill would help people who have been in trouble with the law find jobs, which can make it easier for them to get back on their feet. It would give a tax credit to small businesses that hire these individuals, which could encourage more companies to give them a chance. The goal is to help people avoid going back to prison by giving them a steady job. If you believe in second chances and helping people contribute to society, this bill is a step in that direction.

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The facts

What the bill actually says, no spin.

This bill would create a tax credit for small businesses in California.
The credit would be for hiring people who have been convicted of a felony.
The employee must have worked for the business for at least six months.
Their hiring date must be within one year of their conviction or release from prison.
The tax credit would be up to $5,000 for each qualified employee.
The credit would be available for five years, from 2027 to 2032.