A decades-old law promised Georgians a second chance. A new law hopes to deliver on that promise.

Georgia's First Offender Act allows first-time offenders to avoid convictions through reduced sentences, but a new law seals records at sentencing to prevent access by background check companies. House Bill 162, signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, aims to prevent job or housing issues for participants by sealing records immediately, as advocated by Rep. Leesa Hagan and the Georgia Justice Project.