In New York State ARTICLE 23-A: LICENSURE AND EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS PREVIOUSLY CONVICTED OF ONE OR MORE CRIMINAL OFFENSES Sections 750-755 makes it illegal to discriminate against job applicants based on their criminal history unless the offense(s) directly indicate a risk to the type of business the employer runs. Every state should have a law like this.
The amount of re-offenders would not be as high if these individuals could serve their time, be released from jail/prison, and find employment more easily. They could do things the legal way instead of resorting to breaking the law to pay their bills. They would not be sitting around, plagued with boredom, with nothing to do but think of new ways to get in trouble. They would be working and contributing to society.