AR SB920

Amends Arkansas Code § 17-1-103 to allow boards, commissions, departments, or agencies to consider prior criminal convictions when determining eligibility for registration, licensing, certification, or state employment, but criminal convictions shall not operate as an automatic bar to these opportunities.

Prohibits the use of arrest records not followed by felony conviction, annulled or expunged convictions, and most misdemeanor convictions in employment and licensing applications, with exceptions for sex offenses requiring registration and crimes involving violence.

Requires written explanation of reasons when denying applicants based on prior felony conviction for practicing a trade, profession, or occupation, or for state employment.

Establishes three categories as prima facie evidence of rehabilitation: current probation or parole supervision, five years after release from Department of Correction without subsequent conviction, or one year since completion of a misdemeanor sentence.

Excludes teacher licensure and nursing licensure and certification from the bill's requirements and directs the Secretary of State to notify affected state entities yearly of the law's requirements.