Gov. Mary Fallin signed an executive order Wednesday requiring state agencies to eliminate questions about felony convictions from employment applications.

“Employment after a felony conviction is always a challenge, but the ability to gain employment is a critical and necessary component in reducing recidivism and for those individuals to lead productive and successful lives,” the governor said.

“Thus, we should remove unnecessary barriers to employment opportunities for Oklahomans with felony convictions.”

“State hiring policies should allow full and fair consideration of all applicants.”