SB163 Summary

• Creates a process allowing individuals convicted of crimes to petition circuit courts for an "Order of Limited Relief" that relieves them from collateral consequences affecting occupational licensing.

• Petitioners must not be serving a custodial sentence with more than six months remaining, not be currently charged with a felony, and not be currently charged with a Class A misdemeanor alleged to have occurred within the past 12 months.

• Circuit courts must rule on petitions within 90 calendar days and may grant relief if reasonably satisfied that it will materially assist the petitioner in obtaining or maintaining employment and living lawfully without posing unreasonable risk to public safety.

• Occupational licensing boards may not automatically deny licenses based on convictions when a valid Order of Limited Relief is issued, but may still consider the underlying conduct of the conviction.

• Petitioners must pay a $100 administrative filing fee, though indigent petitioners may apply for a payment plan; the act becomes effective three months after passage.