In an earlier blog posting, we noted the work of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on criminal background checks.  The Commission may be jumping in to the fray again with a recent announcement that it will conduct a public briefing on May 19, Collateral Consequences: The Crossroads of Punishment, Redemption, and the Effects on Communities.  There is very little balance from the long list of witnesses, but we will be watching closely.  The USCCR has very little actual power and has often been paralyzed by politics.  While a report may ultimately be issued, this forum might not amount to much.