8. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall prepare a report detailing the impact of a prior criminal conviction on private employment opportunities for ex-offenders. The department shall consult with the State Parole Board, and may consult with and seek the assistance of other executive branch agencies, municipalities, agencies and any interested parties. The report shall include identification of barriers faced by ex-offenders seeking private employment, including those set forth in law, regulation and policies of private employers. The report shall analyze the effect of the hiring policies of employers with more than 100 employees on the employment of ex-offenders. In order to encourage cooperation, identities of employers and entities contacted in the course of preparing the report shall remain confidential. The results of this study shall be reported to the Governor and the Legislature within 180 days from the effective date of this act.

L.2007, c.327, s.8.