NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — It took five weeks, dozens of applications and one rejection after another for convicted felon Jennifer Cunningham to find a low-paying job in a restaurant. The Spencer, Tenn., woman is hoping that a bill that was just passed in the legislature might give her the opportunity for a better job in the future.

“I don’t want to be working in a burger joint for the rest of my life,” said Cunningham, during an interview at the Davidson County Drug Court, where she is being treated for methamphetamine addiction after being convicted of bringing drugs to jail after being arrested for shoplifting.