The 14th Amendment says voting rights can be denied “for participation in rebellion or other crime.” But American states have dramatically expanded the punishment inflicted on ex-offenders over the past three decades, denying them an astounding array of rights. By some estimates, there are up to 50,000 legally mandated collateral consequences, including restrictions on housing, employment, public benefits and immigration. Here are some of the most absurd.
Georgia
Deny/suspend/revoke massage therapist license (conviction for felony or crime of moral turpitude)
Triggering offense: Any felony; crime of moral turpitude; crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, misrepresentation or money-laundering
Mississippi
Ineligible for scrap metal dealer permit
Triggering offense: Crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, misrepresentation or money-laundering
